Meta description: Martha Washington biography covers her Virginia birth in 1731, 2 marriages, Revolutionary War service, 8 years as First Lady, and death at Mount Vernon in 1802.
Martha Washington Biography: The Virginia Planter’s Daughter Who Became the First First Lady of the United States
Who Was Martha Washington?
Martha Washington was the wife of George Washington and is considered the first First Lady of the United States. She lived from June 2, 1731, to May 22, 1802.
The title “First Lady” was not used during her lifetime. People addressed her as “Lady Washington.”
When and Where Was Martha Washington Born?
Martha Washington was born Martha Dandridge on June 2, 1731, at Chestnut Grove plantation in New Kent County, Virginia. She was the eldest of 8 children born to John Dandridge and Frances Jones.
Her father was a planter who enslaved between 15 and 20 people. She was 8 months older than George Washington.
Who Was Martha Washington’s First Husband?
Martha Washington’s first husband was Daniel Parke Custis, a wealthy planter. They married on May 15, 1750, when she was 18 and he was about 20 years older.
Daniel Parke Custis died on July 8, 1757, after about 7 years of marriage. The couple had 4 children:
- Daniel Parke Custis, born November 19, 1751, who died in 1754
- Frances Parke Custis, born April 1753, who died in 1757
- John Parke “Jacky” Custis, born 1754
- Martha Parke “Patsy” Custis, born 1756
Martha and her children inherited more than 17,500 acres and nearly 300 enslaved people. The inheritance made her one of the wealthiest women in Virginia.
When Did Martha Washington Marry George Washington?
Martha Dandridge Custis married George Washington on January 6, 1759, at her home, White House, in New Kent County. The couple had no children together.
They raised her 2 surviving children and later 2 of her grandchildren. The family settled at Mount Vernon, where she managed the estate’s domestic operations.
What Did Martha Washington Do During the Revolutionary War?
Martha Washington joined George Washington at the Continental Army’s winter encampments. They included Cambridge Headquarters in 1775 to 1776 and Valley Forge in 1777 to 1778.
Her wartime activities included:
- Making socks for soldiers
- Raising money for supplies
- Comforting sick and wounded soldiers
- Serving as the general’s confidant and secretary
George Washington asked Congress to reimburse her travel expenses.
When Was Martha Washington First Lady?
Martha Washington served as First Lady from April 30, 1789, to March 4, 1797. She set customs that later First Ladies observed.
Some guests called her “our Lady Presidentess.” The Washingtons retired to Mount Vernon in 1797 after 2 presidential terms.
What Is Martha Washington’s Life Timeline?
The table below lists 11 key events in Martha Washington’s life by date and event.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 2, 1731 | Born at Chestnut Grove plantation, Virginia |
| May 15, 1750 | Married Daniel Parke Custis |
| July 8, 1757 | Became a widow after Custis died |
| January 6, 1759 | Married George Washington |
| 1775 to 1776 | Stayed at Cambridge Headquarters winter encampment |
| 1777 to 1778 | Stayed at Valley Forge winter encampment |
| April 30, 1789 | Began serving as First Lady |
| 1797 | Retired to Mount Vernon |
| 1799 | Became a widow after George Washington died |
| January 1, 1801 | Freed 123 people enslaved by George Washington |
| May 22, 1802 | Died at Mount Vernon |
What Did Martha Washington Do About the Enslaved People at Mount Vernon?
Martha Washington freed 123 of the people George Washington enslaved on January 1, 1801. George Washington’s will had provided for their freedom after her death, so her action came earlier than required.
Enslaved people controlled by the Custis estate, called “dower slaves,” stayed enslaved after her death. Her grandchildren inherited them.
Oney Judge, Martha’s lady’s maid, fled the Philadelphia household during George Washington’s second term.
How and When Did Martha Washington Die?
Martha Washington died on May 22, 1802, at Mount Vernon at age 70. Her health declined after George Washington’s death, and she died about 2.5 years later.
She was buried beside her husband in the family tomb at Mount Vernon.
What Do People Also Ask About Martha Washington?
What was Martha Washington’s maiden name?
Her maiden name was Martha Dandridge.
Did Martha Washington have children with George Washington?
Martha and George Washington had no children together.
How many children did Martha Washington have?
She had 4 children with Daniel Parke Custis, and 2 survived to adulthood.
Where is Martha Washington buried?
She is buried beside George Washington at Mount Vernon, Virginia.
How old was Martha Washington when she died?
She was 70 years old.
Who Was Martha Washington in Summary?
Martha Washington was a Virginia-born planter’s daughter, widow, and wife of George Washington. She joined the Continental Army’s winter encampments, served as the first First Lady from 1789 to 1797, and died at Mount Vernon in 1802.