Martha Dandridge Custis Washington was America’s original First Lady. As the wife of George Washington, Lady Washington had front-row seat to the founding of our country, staying by her husband’s side from the Revolutionary War to the presidency.
Early Life
Martha Washington was born on June 2, 1731 in Chestnut Grove Plantation, New Kent County, Virginia. At the age of 18, she married Daniel Parke Custis, a wealthy plantation owner who was 20 years older than her. The couple had four children. John Parke (“Jacky”) and Martha (“Patsy”) were the only ones to survive infancy. In 1757, Martha’s husband became ill and died.
Upon Curtis’ death, Martha took over management of the plantation. Her sizable wealth was reportedly one of the reasons her second husband, George Washington, courted her. They married on January 6, 1759. Martha, George and her two children lived at Washington’s estate, known as “Mount Vernon.” Patsy died at the age of 17, while Jacky died of illness during the Revolutionary War. Martha went on to care for and raise Jacky’s children.Role in Revolutionary War
Martha was the inaugural First Lady of the United States, although that term did not exist at the time. The First Family first lived in New York, before moving to the new capital in Philadelphia. Martha supported her husband, although she did not enjoy the attention it brought on her family. Publicly, her role largely involved being a “hostess,” planning and holding formal dinners, banquets, and receptions.
First Lady of the United States
Pinckney also represented South Carolina at the Constitutional Convention. He faithfully attended the proceedings and participated in the debates.
Pinckney served on the Committee of Assumption of State Debts and the Committee of Slave Trade, helping reach the compromise concerning abolition of the international slave trade. Fellow delegate William Pierce stated that “he has received the advantage of a liberal education, and possess a very extensive degree of legal knowledge.”
After signing the Constitution, Pinckney attended the South Carolina ratifying convention and argued in favor of ratification.
Later Life
After George’s presidency ended, the couple returned to Mount Vernon, where they continued to host dignitaries and politicians. George Washington died December 14, 1799, which was devastating for Martha. While George’s will called for his slaves to be freed after her death, Martha freed them in 1800.
Martha died on May 22, 1802, and is buried next to her husband at Mount Vernon. Prior to her own death, Martha burned most of the letters that she had exchanged with George throughout their life together.
