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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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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How Widowhood Changed Martha Washington’s Life

How Widowhood Changed Martha Washington’s Life

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.

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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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Needlework

Needlework

Mount Vernon acquired an unusual example of Martha Washington’s needlework, augmenting our preeminent collection and further highlighting her often-overlooked artistic ability and creativity.

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The Papers of Martha Washington

The Papers of Martha Washington

Martha Washington maintained a lively correspondence with siblings, friends, family, and merchants that helps present a more three-dimensional portrait of America’s first first lady.

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Shoe Shopping

Shoe Shopping

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

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Teach Women in 18th Century

Explore the roles and experiences of women, both enslaved and free in the 1700s.

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Martha Washington Lesson Plans

Martha Washington Lesson Plans

A series of lesson plans that uses Martha Washington as a case study to integrate women's history into the events of the American Revolution and the New Nation historical eras.

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Ten Facts about Martha Washington

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

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