Martha Washington

Date of Birth: June 2, 1731

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: May 22, 1802

Biography

Martha Washington, born Martha Dandridge on June 2, 1731, in New Kent County, Virginia, was the inaugural First Lady of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797 during her husband George Washington’s presidency. She was a key figure in the founding era of the United States, not only as the wife of the first President but also as a symbol of the new nation’s values and ideals. Martha was the eldest daughter of John Dandridge, a prosperous planter, and Frances Jones. At the age of 18, she married Daniel Parke Custis, a wealthy plantation owner, with whom she had four children, two of whom survived to adulthood. After Custis’s death in 1757, Martha managed the extensive estate and became one of Virginia’s wealthiest widows. In 1759, she married George Washington, a rising military officer and planter. The union brought together considerable wealth and land, solidifying their status as one of the most powerful couples in colonial America. Despite the challenges of the Revolutionary War, Martha was a steadfast supporter, often joining George at his winter encampments to boost the morale of the troops. As First Lady, Martha Washington set many precedents for the role, including hosting formal events and establishing a sense of decorum and hospitality that would be emulated by her successors. She was known for her grace, dedication to her family, and commitment to the fledgling nation. Martha Washington passed away on May 22, 1802, at Mount Vernon, Virginia.

5 Interesting Facts about Martha Washington

1. Martha Washington was the first woman to be called the “First Lady” of the United States, although the term was not used during her lifetime.

2. She managed and owned nearly 300 slaves during her lifetime, reflecting the complexities of her position in a slave-owning society.

3. Martha destroyed most of the correspondence between herself and George Washington to maintain their privacy.

4. She played a crucial role in organizing and maintaining the Mount Vernon estate after George Washington’s death.

5. Martha was known for her needlework and quilting, and several of her pieces have been preserved and are on display in museums.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Martha Washington

1. “I am still determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.”

2. “The greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.”

3. “I think I am more like a state prisoner than anything else, there being certain bounds set for me which I must not depart from.”

4. “I am fond of only what comes from the heart.”

5. “I have learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our disposition and not on our circumstances.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of her wealth, Martha Washington’s net worth, combined with that of George Washington, was estimated to be over $500,000, which would be equivalent to several billion dollars in today’s terms.

Children

Martha Washington had four children with her first husband, Daniel Parke Custis: 1. Daniel Parke Custis (1751–1754) 2. Frances Parke Custis (1753–1757) 3. John Parke Custis (1754–1781) 4. Martha Parke Custis (1756–1773) Martha also helped raise her grandchildren, particularly Eleanor Parke Custis and George Washington Parke Custis, after the death of her son John Parke Custis.