• General Notes

  Martha Dandridge Washington (1731-1802) grew up on a large plantation in Virginia. She had no formal education, for girls in those days were rarely taught outside their own homes. Private tutors taught Martha reading and writing. She also had lessons in sewing, housekeeping, cooking, dancing, and music.
  
  At 17 she was one of the most popular young ladies in Williamsburg, and at 18 she married a prosperous planter named Daniel Parke Custis. Seven years after their marriage Custis died, leaving Martha a wealthy young widow with two small children.
  
  Martha Custis first met Colonel George Washington a year after her husband's death. They were married in 1759 and settled down at Mount Vernon, Washington's plantation. Their gracious, comfortable life was interrupted when Washington was called to head the Continental Army in the American Revolution.
  
  During the war years Lady Washington, as she was called, did not spare herself. She joined her husband at winter headquarters every year for eight winters. She did everything she could to encourage and help the tattered soldiers.
  
  As the wife of the first president, Mrs. Washington had no traditions to follow. With only her common sense and sound social training to guide her, she proved to be a fine model for the first ladies who followed her. With the President at her side, she greeted the guests who attended their weekly levees (receptions) with dignity and charm.
  
  Although she always remained cheerful and happy, Mrs. Washington felt she led an extremely dull life in New York City. She was more content when the capital moved to Philadelphia in 1790. They spent the balance of the President's first term and his second term in Philadelphia. There were no regrets, however, when they returned to their beloved Mount Vernon in 1797. This famous couple spent their final years happily surrounded by their grandchildren, friends, and visitors.

Details of Martha Dandridge's family with General George Eskridge Washington

Details of Martha Dandridge's family with Daniel Parke Custis