Washington, Martha, 1731-1802

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Name Entries *

Washington, Martha, 1731-1802

Computed Name Heading

Name Components

Surname :

Washington

Forename :

Martha

Date :

1731-1802

eng

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rda

Washington, George, Mrs., 1731-1802

Computed Name Heading

Name Components

Surname :

Washington

Forename :

George

NameAddition :

Mrs.

Date :

1731-1802

eng

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rda

Washington, Lady, 1731-1802

Computed Name Heading

Name Components

Surname :

Washington

Forename :

Lady

Date :

1731-1802

eng

Latn

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rda

Genders

Female

Exist Dates

Exist Dates - Date Range

1731-06-13

1731-06-13

Birth

1802-05-22

1802-05-22

Death

Born June 2, 1731 (O.S.)

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Biographical History

Martha Dandridge Custis Washington was the first First Lady of the United States. Washington is not only remembered as the nation’s first lady who set an example for her future first ladies, but also as a wife, mother, and property owner. She is an example of strength during the Revolutionary War, and as the first lady of a new nation.

Born at Virginia’s Chestnut Grove Plantation located in New Kent County, Virginia on June 2, 1731, she was the eldest of eight children born to John and Frances Dandridge. On May 15, 1750, she married 38-year-old Daniel Parke Custis. Together they had four children. However, only two, John (called Jack) and Martha (called Patsy), survived past childhood. When her husband died in 1757, he left a large inheritance to Martha, making her wealthy—something that was less likely to be true a century later. This inheritance included 17,500 acres of land and 300 enslaved people.

Martha met George Washington in 1758. Washington owned Mount Vernon plantation and was the commander of the Virginia forces during the French and Indian War. Ten months after meeting, they married and she and her two surviving children moved into Mount Vernon. Because her husband was often travelling on military and business matters, Martha Washington was the effective manager of the household. She spent every winter in military encampments with General Washington during the Revolutionary War, making socks for the soldiers and raising money for other supplies.

The Revolutionary War ended in 1783 and General Washington returned to Mount Vernon. Both George and Martha were looking forward to a quiet retirement at their beloved home. The country, however, had other plans and George Washington became the new nation’s first president in 1789. “Lady Washington” moved with her husband to New York City, the nation’s first capital city. In an attempt to be accessible to the public, she held Friday evening receptions called “levees.” These levees were open to both men and women and followed European traditions of holding court while also serving as an example of social etiquette for every first lady to follow. The following year, the Washington’s moved to the new capital city: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Washingtons returned to Mount Vernon in 1797, after the inauguration of John Adams as president. George Washington died just two years later in 1799. In the President’s will, he stated that his 160 enslaved people be freed upon Martha’s death. However, Martha became fearful for her safety, so she freed her late husband’s enslaved people about a year after his death.

Martha Dandridge Custis Washington died May 22, 1802.

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External Related CPF

https://viaf.org/viaf/3275294

https://www.worldcat.org/identities/lccn-n80072514

https://id.loc.gov/authorities/n80072514

https://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q191789

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Languages Used

eng

Latn

Subjects

Home economics

Presidents' spouses

Slaves

Women

Nationalities

Americans

Activities

Occupations

Presidents' spouses

Legal Statuses

Places

Mount Vernon

VA, US

AssociatedPlace

Residence

New York City

NY, US

AssociatedPlace

Residence

Chestnut Grove

VA, US

AssociatedPlace

Birth

Valley Forge

PA, US

AssociatedPlace

Residence

Richmond

VA, US

AssociatedPlace

Residence

Mount Vernon

VA, US

AssociatedPlace

Death

Philadelphia

PA, US

AssociatedPlace

Residence

Convention Declarations

<conventionDeclaration><citation>VIAF</citation></conventionDeclaration>

General Contexts

Structure or Genealogies

Mandates

Identity Constellation Identifier(s)

w65v4bjt

87299818