Martha Washington

Martha Dandridge Custis Washington was the first First Lady of the United States. Her husband was George Washington.

In January 2009, in conjunction with the rare display at Mount Vernon of her purple silk and sequin wedding shoes, historians reported some revisionist discussion of Martha, including a computerized age-regression portrait showing what she might have looked like as a young, lovely woman.Washington Post: Fresh Look at Martha Washington: Less First Frump, More Foxy Lady (February 2, 2009)

Martha Dandridge was born on June 2, 1731, and grew up on a plantation near Williamsburg, Virginia. She received a private education at home.Valley Forge: Martha Washington

At 18 she married Daniel Parke Custis, who was 20 years older than she, and owned an estate of some 17,000 acres. They had four children two of them who died in infancy. Custis died in 1757 after a brief illness.Valley Forge: Martha Washington

When Martha Dandridge met George Washington in Williamsburg, Virginia, she was a wealthy young widow with two small children. They married on January 6, 1759.

Washington was made commander-in-chief of the Continental Army in 1775; Martha stayed wtih him over the winter of 1775 through June of 1776.Valley Forge: Martha Washington

Martha's children died young, two in infancy, Patsy at 17, and Jacky at 26. When Jacky died, he left six children; the two youngest, Nelly and Wash, would be raised by Martha.Valley Forge: Martha Washington

George Washington was elected President of the United States by the electoral college, and took office in April 1789. He served two terms and left office in 1797. He died on December 14, 1799.Valley Forge: Martha Washington

On his death, Washington freed half of his slaves, keeping only the old and young; Martha freed them all in 1800. She died on May 22, 1802.Valley Forge: Martha Washington