Happy 236th birthday Betsy! Born #OTD in Baltimore in 1785, Elizabeth “Betsy” Patterson Bonaparte (1785-1879) is considered one of America’s first international celebrities. She was the oldest daughter of William Patterson, an Irish shipping merchant and one of the wealthiest men in Maryland, and became known for her great beauty, wit, and fashionable flair. Her love for the latest European fashions—including low-cut bodices and revealing sheer fabric--led her to wear gowns considered risqué by American standards. On Christmas Eve in 1803 Elizabeth married Napoleon Bonaparte’s younger brother Jérôme, who was visiting the United States as a lieutenant in the French Navy. Unfortunately, this marriage did not have Napoleon’s blessing. He not only ordered his brother back to France, he demanded that the marriage be annulled! In 1805, Elizabeth gave birth to a son but by this time Jérôme had acquiesced to his brother’s demands and returned to France in order to marry the German prince...