First Lady Martha Washington's Trip to New York

In the interval between General Washington's departure on April 16, 1789, and hers in May, the presidential household in New York had been readied for the Washington family.

On the afternoon of May 16th with Washington's nephew, Robert Lewis, as her escort, Mrs. Washington left Mount Vernon in the family carriage with her two youngest grandchildren. For Nelly Custis and her brother, Washington Custis, their first "official" event was a memorable adventure with many lessons to be learned. While still in Virginia, obstinate horses, a broken carriage, and a frightening ferry crossing introduced them to the hazards and delays of road travel. Parades and receptions in their grandmother's honor called forth all the social skills they had mastered at ages ten and eight.

Through it all Mrs. Washington maintained her natural, unassuming presence. Cheerful, attentive, and appreciative: the very model of a President's Lady.

At Baltimore, the first large city along their 11-day route, fireworks and a serenade lasting until two in the morning offered exciting, if unnecessarily protracted diversions.

Mrs. Washington and her entourage, which expanded and contracted as distinguished gentlemen joined and left its ranks all along the way, attracted considerable attention in Philadelphia. A 13-gun salute was fired in her honor, a display that had been accorded the president a month earlier. Crowded streets and animated church bells attested to the respect she had earned from its inhabitants during the Revolution when she had "contributed to relieve the cares of our beloved Chief."

Like any sensible woman finding herself in a major metropolis, Mrs. Washington took time to shop in Philadelphia. Her list was long and included fashionable shoes for the two granddaughters left in Virginia.

Shoe shopping with Martha Washington

 It was also a time to rest before the last leg of her journey, which would reunite her with her beloved husband and lead to a grand entrance in New York.

The crossing from New Jersey to New York was at Elizabeth Town, where George Washington met her and together they made their way on the presidential barge. Another 13-gun salute was fired in her honor as they passed the Battery and shouts of "God Bless Lady Washington" greeted her on shore.

Within two weeks, this Virginia housewife had her presidential household in order and had settled into the affections of the nation.