A Belle of the Fifties

A Belle of the Fifties is a memoir by Virginia Clay-Clopton, published in the late 19th century, detailing her life in Washington, D.C., and the Southern United States during the Civil War. As a prominent socialite married to legislator Clement Clay, she provides a unique female perspective on the era's social and political dynamics. The narrative captures her experiences as a hostess, her loyalty to the Confederacy, and the challenges faced during and after the war, making it a significant personal account of the time.