Martha Washington

Martha Dandridge Custis Washington (1731–1802) was our nation’s first “First Lady,” though that term would not be used during her lifetime. Martha was the eldest daughter of Virginia planter John Dandridge and married wealthy Virginia planter Daniel Parke Custis in 1750. Daniel and Martha had four children, two of whom died in early childhood. Daniel Custis died in 1757, leaving Martha a wealthy young widow with an inheritance of 17,500 acres of land and 300 slaves.

In 1759, Martha married George Washington. Martha and George raised her two children from her previous marriage together, but they did not have any children together. Later in life, they also raised four grandchildren after Martha’s son died. During the American Revolution, Martha Washington followed her husband to all of the Continental Army’s winter encampments, including Valley Forge, and helped keep up morale among the officers. Aside from her visits to the Continental Army, Martha lived a private life at home in Virginia and managed her large estate. She shaped the role of First Lady, hosting dinners, receptions, and other events in New York and Philadelphia, and offered her husband emotional and personal support during his presidency.