Breaking barriers in history: Martha Washington’s active role during the American Revolution

Martha Washington and the American Revolution

Beginning in 1776, Martha Washington left the comforts of Mount Vernon, braving bad weather and terrible roads to visit her husband during the winter encampments. During the difficult times of the War, Martha provided much needed support to Washington. 

Primary Source: Letter from George Washington to Martha Washington, 1775

After accepting the appointment to lead the Continental Washington wrote this letter to his wife. The letter speaks to their special relationship. Washington expressed his apprehension in taking the post, mainly because it would cause Martha much anxiety. According to Washington, he feared leaving his wife more than feared the dangers of war. Nevertheless, Washington understood the severity of the situation, and he had his will written in case he died during the conflict.

A Patriot's Service

Primary Source: Mrs. Washington's Travel Expenses, 1775-1782

When Washington submitted his expenses to Congress, he also requested that Martha’s travel expenses be compensated. As George Washington saw it, Martha also provided a service to the colonists’ cause.

In February 1778, Mrs. Washington traveled from Mount Vernon to Valley Forge. She was not alone, and despite the harsh conditions they faced, other generals’ wives made the perilous trip to visit their husbands. Prominent women, however, were not the only ones at the different camps. Less affluent women followed the Army to stay close to their husbands or to work as cooks, laundresses, and nurses, for example. Click here to explore a map of the Valley Forge encampment (1777-1778).

A Time of Change

The American Revolution was certainly a time of incredible change. The social and political implications of the War created the particular circumstances in which many women found themselves taking a more active role in political matters. Esther de Berdt Reed, first lady of Pennsylvania, set out to rally American women to raise funds to provide aid to Washington’s soldiers. Mrs. Washington, who witnessed the soldiers’ conditions firsthand, likely shared with the other ladies accounts of the suffering soldiers endured. The ladies were inspired to act. The money was collected throughout the American colonies and sent to Mrs. Washington in her husband’s military camp. Financial records at Mount Vernon show that she sent 6,000 pounds ($20,000) to the cause, although it is not clear whether all this money came from her or it included money she collected.

Women and Print Media

Primary Source: "Sentiments of an American Woman, 1780" (transcribed & digitized)

This pamphlet, likely authored by Reed, compared American women to historical female patriots who risked everything to protect their country. True patriots, the author argued, must make significant sacrifices (like renouncing tea and other imported goods) for the public good. The pamphlet is an impressive example of how many women were pushing the boundaries and redefining their role in the public sphere. The document also speaks to the social and political significance of early female-led fund-raising campaigns. It is important to note that this drive was likely carried out by white women around the colonies, however, at least one African-American woman is known to have donated to the cause. Free and enslaved people contributed to the War effort in different ways. 

A Patriot's Legacy

Martha Washington’s courage and dedication made her a prominent figure who had a lasting impact on American society. Mrs. Washington was immortalized in ballads, poems, and even in U.S. currency.

Primary Source: “Saw My Hero, George”

Although Mrs. Washington was not present at the Battle of Monmouth, she did inspire this popular ballad which envisions her looking for Washington after the battle.

U.S. currency

Martha Washington's impact on the United States has endured the test of time. Mrs. Washington is the first and only woman to be the central figure featured on U.S. currency.