Martha Washington

Martha Dandridge Custis Washington was born on June 2, 1731, at her parents' residence, Chestnut Grove Plantation, located in New Kent County, Virginia, in the Colony of Virginia. She was the eldest daughter of Frances Jones and John Dandridge. Her father was a Virginia planter and county clerk who emigrated from England, while her mother was the granddaughter of an Anglican rector. Martha had three brothers—John (1733–1749), William (1734–1776), and Bartholomew (1737–1785)—and four sisters: Anna Maria "Fanny" Bassett (1739–1777), Frances Dandridge (1744–1757), Elizabeth Aylett Henley (1749–1800), and Mary Dandridge (1756–1763). She also possibly had an illegitimate half-sister, Ann Dandridge Costin, born into slavery, and an illegitimate half-brother, Ralph Dandridge.

As the oldest of eight siblings, Martha assumed maternal and domestic responsibilities early in life. She received a higher-than-average education for a girl of her social class, though her curriculum was less comprehensive than that of her brothers. She demonstrated an interest in equestrian activities, reportedly riding her horse up and down her uncle's staircase without punishment, impressed by her horsemanship.

In 1749, Martha met Daniel Parke Custis, a wealthy planter and landowner. They married on May 15, 1750, after gaining approval from Daniel's father, John Custis, who was particular about the family's social ties. The marriage took place at the Custis family estate, White House Plantation, situated on the Pamunkey River. The couple had four children: Daniel (born 1751), Frances (born 1753), John (born 1754), and Martha ("Patsy") (born 1756). Daniel Parke Custis died in 1754 at age 45, possibly from a throat infection, making Martha a widow at the age of 26. She inherited an estate comprising approximately $33,000 (equivalent to over one million dollars in 2024), 17,000 acres of land, and nearly 300 slaves.

Following her husband's death, Martha managed her extensive estate, overseeing land, enslaved people, and business negotiations, including bargaining with London merchants for tobacco prices. She shared custody of her two surviving children, raising them while managing her plantation operations.

In 1758, Martha met George Washington, likely during a social event in Williamsburg, Virginia. Their courtship led to their marriage on January 6, 1759, at her White House plantation. Following the wedding, they honeymooned at her family estate and subsequently settled at Mount Vernon, her husband's plantation. Martha was among the wealthiest widows in the colonies at the time of her marriage to Washington. The couple's marriage was based on mutual respect and shared routines, with an emphasis on family and social standing.

From 1759 to 1775, the Washingtons resided at Mount Vernon, where they managed the plantation, hosted visitors, and engaged in social activities. Martha actively participated in household management, including overseeing clothing production and curing meat, and was involved in the expansion and profitability of Mount Vernon. The couple did not have biological children together, but they raised Martha's two surviving children until their respective marriages and departures. Their daughter Patsy suffered from epilepsy and died in 1773 at age 17. Their son John married Eleanor Calvert in 1774.

The American Revolutionary War (1775–1783) interrupted their life at Mount Vernon. Martha supported her husband's patriot cause, visiting military encampments and facilitating wartime activities. During her husband's military service, she managed household affairs, endured separation during campaigns, and supported morale among soldiers and civilians.

After the war, in 1783, Martha initially sought retirement at Mount Vernon but returned to public life when George Washington became the first president of the United States in 1789. As the inaugural First Lady, she hosted social events and represented the new nation's dignity. She was aware of the symbolic importance of her behavior and maintained a balance between humility and decorum. The Washingtons returned to Mount Vernon in 1797, where she spent her remaining years. She was widowed in 1799 after George Washington's death and passed away on May 22, 1802, at the age of 70.

Although she was not officially titled as First Lady during her lifetime, Martha Washington is recognized retrospectively as the first person to fulfill the social role associated with the president's wife, establishing many of the traditions observed by subsequent First Ladies.