Martha Washington George Washington's wife Date of Birth: 02.06.1731 Country: USA

1. Martha Washington - The First First Lady of the United States
2. Marriage and Widowhood
3. Life and Support during the Revolutionary War
4. Role as First Lady
5. Legacy

Martha Washington - The First First Lady of the United States

Martha Dandridge Custis Washington was born on June 13, 1731, in Chestnut Grove, the estate of her wealthy Virginia planter parents. She was the eldest daughter among three legitimate brothers, four sisters, and possibly an illegitimate half-sister and half-brother.

Marriage and Widowhood

On May 15, 1750, at the age of 18, Martha married Daniel Parke Custis, a wealthy planter who was 20 years her senior. They settled at the White House plantation, a few miles away from Chestnut Grove. However, in 1757, Martha became a wealthy widow when her husband passed away, leaving her with a substantial inheritance of plantations, farms, and 285 enslaved individuals. Two years later, Martha married George Washington, who was able to add these resources to his own personal holdings. Martha and Daniel had four children together, two of whom survived to adulthood. They did not have any children in their second marriage, and Martha's children from her first marriage and their descendants became the heirs.

Life and Support during the Revolutionary War

During the American Revolutionary War, Martha, who was accustomed to a life of comfort and luxury, accompanied her husband to military encampments for eight years. She supported his officers and boosted their morale. Although Martha was known for her fashionable attire and independent wealth, she deeply loved George Washington.

Role as First Lady

After the war, Martha initially opposed George Washington's election as the first President of the newly formed United States. She even refused to attend his inauguration on April 30, 1789. However, Martha later fulfilled her duties as the nation's first First Lady with grace and dignity. By 1799, Martha owned 153 enslaved individuals, while her husband owned 124. In George Washington's will, he stipulated that his slaves should be freed upon Martha's death to ensure families would not be separated. Martha freed the Washington slaves on January 1, 1801.

Legacy

Martha Washington passed away on May 22, 1802, at the age of 70. Her own slaves were inherited by four of her grandchildren, the children of her son John. In honor of Martha Washington, two military ships of the United States were named after her, one during her lifetime and the other during World War I. She became the first American woman to be featured on U.S. postage stamps in 1902, and her image also appeared on stamps in 1923 and 1938. Martha remains the only woman whose portrait has graced American currency, appearing on banknotes in 1886 and 1891. Additionally, in 1860, a women's college in Virginia was founded and named after her.