Martha Washington

In 1750, Martha Dandridge married Daniel Parke Custis and together the couple had four children.

Martha's views on slavery reflected the attitude of other women in her social class in Virginia at the time.

What began as a traditional marriage in a semi-aristocratic society, blossomed into a strong romance that became one to admire.

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…"

Throughout her inaugural tour from Mount Vernon to New York, Martha Washington maintained her natural, unassuming presence and was cheerful, attentive, and appreciative.

While serving as first lady, Martha Washington said she often felt “more like a state prisoner than anything else.”

Martha Washington was an elite, slave-owning, estate-managing, debt-paying widow who conducted business from her home, Mount Vernon. She managed thousands of acres and hundreds of enslaved people throughout her lifetime, but especially during her two periods of widowhood. A look at Martha’s two periods of widowhood reveals how the former Mrs. Custis, and then the former Mrs. Washington, exercised this power.

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. 

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

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

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

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

How well do you know the first first lady of the United States? 

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

George and Martha Washington relationship was constantly tested by sickness, distance, war, and more. What do you know about their marriage?