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Martha Washington

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Martha Washington
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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.

Early Life

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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A Day in the Life of Martha Washington

Martha Washington oversaw much of life at Mount Vernon.

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Religion

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…"

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The Fascinating Life of Martha Washington

From her birth to her death, Martha Washington lived a fascinating life.

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Mrs. Washington at the Front

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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The Deaths of the Washingtons

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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Family

While George and Martha Washington never had any children together, they helped raise many at Mount Vernon.

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Martha 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

10 Facts About Mrs. Washington

Do you know these facts about Mrs. Washington's life?

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Discover More

Martha Washington was a remarkable and multifaceted woman, known not only for her grace and elegance but also for her resilience. Explore other interesting aspects of Martha Washington's life.

Inherited Treasures

George and Martha Washington did not have any biological children together. So who inherited the Washington family heirlooms?

Needlework

Mount Vernon acquired an unusual example of Martha Washington’s needlework, augmenting our preeminent collection.

Fashionista

Martha Washington's contemporaries knew her as a woman of strength, determination, intellectual curiosity, and high fashion.

Shoe Shopping

Martha Washington possessed an impressive shoe collection which would have been far above the norm in the founding era.

Mrs. Washington's Card

Martha Stewart Wilson received the card in 1796, and described in a brief note her memorable visit with Mrs. Washington.

Martha Washington Papers

Martha Washington maintained a lively correspondence with siblings, friends, family, and merchants.

Lavish Lace

Lace was the ultimate 18th-century glamour accessory, and Martha Washington often wore it.

A Woman in Charge

Despite the constraints of the time, Martha Washington took charge as a widow and wielded enormous influence as a wife.

An Artful Tribute

This beautiful memorial was made c. 1808-1812 by Eliza Gould in honor of George and Martha Washington.

Martha on the $1

Martha Washington is the first and only woman to grace the primary portrait of U.S. paper currency.

Lesson Plans

A series of lesson plans that uses Martha Washington to integrate women's history into the American Revolution.

Women's History Books

Explore Mount Vernon's collections of books about women.

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