Our Namesake

Martha Dandridge Washington

June 2, 1731 – Daughter – Martha Dandridge was born at Chestnut Grove Plantation in New Kent County, Virginia. She was the eldest of eight children born to John Dandridge (1700 – 1756) and Francis Johnes (1710 – 1785).

1731 – 1750 – Education – Martha’s education stressed housekeeping, religion, music, and dancing – skills expected of a wife of a Virginia plantation owner.

May 15, 1750 – Marriage – Martha married Daniel Parke Custis a wealthy Virginia planter 20 years her senior.

July 8, 1757 – Widow – Daniel suddenly died, leaving Martha at age 26 with two young children and a 17,500 acre estate to manage.

January 6, 1759 – Second Marriage – Martha married George Washington. She spent the next 16 years largely at Mount Vernon, supervising the education of her children and ensuring that the domestic operations on the plantation ran smoothly. George and Martha had no children. Together, they raised Martha’s children, John “Jack” Parke Custis and Martha “Patsy” Parke Custis.

1776 – Patriot – Martha Washington strongly supported the American Revolutionary War. She spent more than half of the war on the front lines at George Washington’s winter quarters, including Valley Forge.

1775 – 1783 – Symbolic Role Model – Martha was a symbolic role model for the American people. Children were named after her. Two ships bore her name. An engraved portrait of her was produced for sale.

April 30, 1789 – March 4, 1797 – First Lady – Martha was an asset to President Washington in his official entertaining.

December 14, 1799 – Return to Mount Vernon – George Washington passed away two years after their return to Mount Vernon. Martha burned 40 years of correspondence with her husband, seemingly as a way of protecting their privacy.

“The Courtship of Washington” by John C. McRae, 1860

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Photos courtesy of Smithsonian Institute and Mt. Vernon