Road to Liberty: Martha Washington

Wife, mother, property owner, and the “First Lady” of the United States, Martha Washington was known for her personal strength, devotion to her husband, and patient resolve during and after the war.

Born Martha Dandridge on June 2, 1731, she learned to read and write at a time when many women did not. Throughout her life, she read the Bible, novels, magazines, and frequently wrote letters. At age 18, Martha married Daniel Parke Custis, and they had four children, though only two survived infancy. Then, at age 26, Martha became a wealthy widow. In 1759, she married George Washington. She was about five feet tall and he stood over six feet and two inches tall, but she made up for her petite stature through her unflappable spirit.   

When General Washington left Mount Vernon for military duties, Martha managed the household expertly. She spent the brutal winters of the Revolutionary War at the front with her husband. In addition to providing invaluable support to him, she mended socks, raised money for supplies, and boosted morale among the troops. Sadly, during this period, Martha lost her last living child, Jack, when he died of camp fever.  

After winning the War of Independence, George Washington was elected the first president, and he and Martha began their next chapter of service to the new nation as America’s first couple. Known as “Lady Washington,” Martha set important social and political precedents like Friday receptions called “levees” in New York and Philadelphia. 

After Washington retired from the presidency, he and Martha returned to Mount Vernon. Two years later, George died, and as her husband had wished, Martha freed his slaves. In 1802, two years later, Martha died. Today, America’s first couple are buried side by side at Mount Vernon.