The Life of Martha Washington
This is the story of Martha Washington, the worthiest of partners to the worthiest of men.
Open 365 days a year, Mount Vernon is located just 15 miles south of Washington DC.
From the mansion to lush gardens and grounds, intriguing museum galleries, immersive programs, and the distillery and gristmill. Spend the day with us!
Discover what made Washington "first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen".
The Mount Vernon Ladies Association has been maintaining the Mount Vernon Estate since they acquired it from the Washington family in 1858.
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The Washington Library is open to all researchers and scholars, by appointment only.
Martha Washington served as the nation's first first lady and spent about half of the Revolutionary War at the front. She helped manage and run her husbands' estates. She raised her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; and for almost 40 years she was George Washington's "worthy partner".
Birth Date June 2, 1731 |
Birth Place New Kent County, Virginia |
Father John Dandridge (1700-1756) |
Mother Frances Jones (1710-1785) |
Brothers John Dandridge (1732-1749) William Dandridge (1734-1776) Bartholomew Dandridge (1737-1785) |
Sisters Anna Maria Dandridge Bassett (1739-1777) Frances Dandridge (1744-1758) Elizabeth Dandridge Henley (1749-ca1800) Mary Dandridge (1756-1763) |
Formal Education None |
Religion Anglican/Episcopalian |
This is the story of Martha Washington, the worthiest of partners to the worthiest of men.
Martha Washington made many quilts, including this one, from scraps of fabric.
While first lady, Martha Washington actively supported American manufacturing, including with this shawl originally made in Massachusetts.
Take an in-depth look at the will of Martha Washington, who died on May 22, 1802.