Martha Washington

Martha Washington

Early Life

Martha Dandridge was born on June 2, 1731. At 18, she married Daniel Parke Custis, a wealthy planter. They had four children, but only two—Jacky and Patsy—survived. After Daniel died in 1757, Martha inherited his large fortune.

Marriage to George Washington

On January 6, 1759, Martha married George Washington at age 27. She brought wealth and social status to the marriage. The couple lived at Mount Vernon, a large estate with farms, gardens, and a distillery. They owned many enslaved people. Martha and George had no children together, but George helped raise her two surviving children.

Role in the Revolutionary War

During the eight years of the Revolutionary War, Martha joined George at winter camps. Women who traveled with the army were called “Camp Followers.” They boosted morale, cared for the sick and wounded, and sometimes assisted in battle. Although she supported George, Martha disliked his role as the first president and refused to attend his 1789 inauguration.

Later Life and Legacy

Martha Washington died on May 22, 1802, at age 70. She had four grandchildren from her first marriage. Before her death, most enslaved people at Mount Vernon were freed, and more were released after she died. Martha is the only woman featured on U.S. paper currency, appearing on the 1886 and 1891 Silver Certificates.

Famous Quote

“I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may be.” — Martha Washington

Discussion Questions

  1. Why was Martha Washington important to George Washington’s success during the Revolutionary War?
  2. How did Martha Washington’s life change after becoming the nation’s first First Lady?
  3. What role did women like Martha play in supporting the Continental Army?
  4. Why do you think Martha Washington preferred a quiet life at Mount Vernon instead of public life?

Glossary

  • First Lady: The wife of the president of the United States.
  • Camp Followers: Women who traveled with the army to provide support during war.
  • Inauguration: A formal ceremony to mark the beginning of a leader’s term in office.
  • Mount Vernon: The plantation home of George Washington in Virginia.
  • Silver Certificate: Paper currency issued by the U.S. in the 19th century.

Five Interesting Facts

  • Martha Washington was the first woman to be called “First Lady.”
  • She inherited a large fortune after her first husband’s death.
  • Martha often visited Revolutionary War camps to support soldiers.
  • She refused to attend George Washington’s presidential inauguration.
  • Martha Washington is the only woman on U.S. paper currency.

Timeline of Martha Washington’s Life

  1. 1731: Born on June 2 in Virginia.
  2. 1749: Married Daniel Parke Custis at age 18.
  3. 1757: Daniel Custis died, leaving Martha a wealthy widow.
  4. 1759: Married George Washington on January 6.
  5. 1775: Followed George to Revolutionary War camps.
  6. 1776: Helped boost soldiers’ morale during the war.
  7. 1781: Present at Yorktown after the British surrender.
  8. 1789: George Washington became first U.S. president; Martha refused inauguration.
  9. 1797: Washington retired; Martha returned to Mount Vernon.
  10. 1802: Died on May 22 at age 70.

Martha Dandridge was born on June 2, 1731. When she was 18, she married Daniel Parke Custis, a wealthy landowner. They had four children, but only two survived—Jacky and Patsy. When Daniel died in 1757, Martha inherited his money and land.

Marriage to George Washington

On January 6, 1759, Martha married George Washington. She brought money and status to the marriage. They lived at Mount Vernon, George’s large estate. Although they had no children together, George helped raise Martha’s two children. Many enslaved people worked at Mount Vernon during this time.

Life During the Revolutionary War

During the Revolutionary War, Martha stayed with George at his winter camps. Women like her were called “Camp Followers.” They helped care for soldiers and lift their spirits. After the war, Martha was not happy when George became the first U.S. president. She did not attend his inauguration in 1789 because she wanted a quiet life at home.

Later Life and Legacy

Martha Washington died on May 22, 1802, at the age of 70. She had four grandchildren from her first marriage. Most of the enslaved people at Mount Vernon were freed before or shortly after her death. Martha is the only woman to appear on U.S. paper money—her face was on the 1886 and 1891 Silver Certificates.
Martha Washington Activities
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