Martha Washington was the first first lady of the United States and spent about half of the Revolutionary War at the front with General Washington. She helped manage and run her husbands' estates and raised her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Key Facts about Martha Washington
Mrs. Washington was born in 1731 Martha Dandridge and was the oldest of eight children.
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Biography of Martha Washington
Dive into the biography of our first first lady.
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Early Life
Martha Dandridge was the eldest daughter of John Dandridge and Frances Jones, she grew up at Chestnut Grove, in New Kent County, Virginia.
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First Marriage and Children
In 1750, Martha Dandridge married Daniel Parke Custis and together the couple had four children.
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Martha Washington and Slavery
Martha's views on slavery reflected the attitude of other women in her social class in Virginia at the time.
Learn moreA Day in the Life of Martha Washington
Martha Washington oversaw much of life at Mount Vernon.
The Washingtons' Courtship
After the death of her first husband, George Washington courted Martha Custis. The couple married on January 6, 1759.
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Timeline: Washingtons in Love
What began as a traditional marriage in a semi-aristocratic society, blossomed into a strong romance that became one to admire.
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Religion
Martha Washington was a devout Christian, her granddaughter Eleanor “Nelly” Parke Custis Lewis noted that she “never omitted her private devotions, or her public duties…"
Learn moreThe Fascinating Life of Martha Washington
From her birth to her death, Martha Washington lived a fascinating life.
Mrs. Washington at the Front
Martha Washington's presence at the Continental Army’s winter encampments not only helped to encourage George Washington but also boosted the morale of the entire camp.
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Inaugural Journey to New York
Throughout her inaugural tour from Mount Vernon to New York, Martha Washington maintained her natural, unassuming presence and was cheerful, attentive, and appreciative.
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The First, First Lady
While serving as first lady, Martha Washington said she often felt “more like a state prisoner than anything else.”
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How Widowhood Changed Martha Washington’s Life
A closer look at Martha’s two periods of widowhood reveals a lot about the character of Mrs. Washington.
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The Deaths of the Washingtons
When the president retired from public life, Martha Washington hoped for many years with her husband at Mount Vernon. However, within about five years both George and Martha Washington would die.
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While George and Martha Washington never had any children together, they helped raise many at Mount Vernon.
The Washingtons’ Marriage Quiz
George and Martha Washington's relationship was constantly tested by sickness, distance, war, and more. What do you know about their marriage?
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The Difficult Martha Washington Quiz
You know that Martha Washington was the nation's first first lady, but how much more do you know about her?
take the quizMartha Washington
| Born: | June 2, 1731 |
| Died: | May 22, 1802 |
| Married George Washington: | January 6, 1759 |
| First Lady: | April 30, 1789 - March 4, 1797 |
| Children: | 4 |
| Religion: | Church of England |
Facts
10 Facts About Mrs. Washington
Do you know these facts about Mrs. Washington's life?
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