George Washington’s wife, Martha Dandridge Custis Washington, was the first president of the United States. Despite the fact that she was the first “First Lady” of the United States, the title was not given to her until after she died. Known as Lady Washington during her lifetime, she was a lovely hostess who hosted many of the president’s high-profile visitors. She was also recognized for her kindness towards Revolutionary War veterans, to whom she offered cash and other forms of assistance. When she first met and married George Washington, who was then a Colonel, she was a wealthy young widow with children. She was a dedicated and hardworking wife who took care of her husband after the Continental Congress appointed him General of the American Army. She expertly enlisted the help of the ladies of the colonies in raising funds and gathering supplies for the Continental Army. The presidential couple had a relationship built on mutual admiration and devotion. Despite the fact that Martha found life as the First Lady to be suffocating, she saw it as her duty to her husband to carry out her duties to the best of her ability. Long after Washington’s administration ended, she and her husband continued to entertain guests and socialize.
Childhood and Adolescence
John Dandridge and his wife Frances Jones had her as the eldest daughter. She had seven siblings and two illegitimate half-siblings, according to rumors.
She received informal training in music, sewing, and household administration at home. She could also read and write, as well as have a basic understanding of animal husbandry and plantation management.
Later the Years
When she was 18 years old, she married Daniel Parke Custis, a much older and wealthy landowner. She and he had four children, two of whom died as children.
In 1757, her husband died, leaving her a wealthy young widow. Her dower inheritance, which included properties and slaves, was completely under her authority. The capable woman effectively managed the five plantations bequeathed to her by her husband.
Colonel George Washington indicated an interest in marrying the young widow. In 1759, the pair married in a lavish ceremony. They raised Martha’s two surviving children together.
She was in charge of a huge estate and was an expert at managing a large crew of servants. Her spouse was in charge of the plantations’ finances. The gifted woman managed the collecting and processing of fruits and vegetables, dairy and meat products, medicinal plants, and other processes.
During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress chose George as the General of the American Army. During the cold winter months, Martha enlisted the help of other women in the colonies, encouraging them to contribute financially and gather supplies for the Continental Army.
George Washington was unanimously elected as the country’s first president after the colonies gained independence and the United States Constitution was established. His inauguration took place on April 30, 1789.
She received many visitors and hosted numerous events in New York and Philadelphia, which served as interim capitals after her husband was elected. She hosted public events on Fridays and became acquainted with Abigail Adams, the wife of Vice President John Adams.
She was the First Lady for eight years, from 1797 to 1798. She had been used to living a wild and unfettered life before becoming First Lady, and she found this lifestyle suffocating. She was, nevertheless, a dutiful wife who did everything she could to fulfill her duties as the president’s wife.
She was quite nice and sympathetic to Revolutionary War veterans, and she used to help people who were in need financially.
She had no role model to look up to as the first First Lady in her own country. She drew inspiration from Europe when it came to holding public ceremonies and events; the Europeans, in turn, revered her and even offered her gifts.
In 1797, the president’s second term came to an end, and the Washingtons retired to Mount Vernon. Even after retirement, they remained a famous pair who were frequently visited by a number of high-ranking officials. Even after her husband died, she continued to entertain people.
Major Projects of Martha Washington
She was the United States’ first First Lady, and she was known for her patience, hard labor, and devotion to her husband and country. She set a standard for later First Ladies to follow as the wife of the first president of the United States.
Personal History and Legacy
She married Daniel Parke Custis, a wealthy planter, when she was only 18 years old in 1750. Her husband was more than two decades her senior. Only two of the couple’s four children survived childhood. Custis passed away in 1757.
In 1759, she married George Washington for the second time. The couple had no children of their own, but they did nurture her children from a prior marriage.
She had bad luck as a mother because all four of her children died young. John, her sole kid, was the only one of her children to marry and have problems. She became the guardian of her grandchildren after her son died.
Her relationship with George Washington was one of mutual compassion and concern. She was a strong, independent woman who also served as a good wife.
She died in her home in 1802 at the age of 70.
Martha Washington Net Worth
Martha is one of the wealthiest political wives and one of the most well-known. Martha Washington’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million, according to Wikipedia, Forbes, and Business Insider.
Trivia
In 2007, the United States issued the Martha Washington coin as part of the First Spouse Program.