Profile of the Day: Martha Washington

Today we celebrate the life of America’s first First Lady, Martha Washington, who was born on June 2, 1731 in New Kent, Virginia.

Image: Martha Washington / Library of Congress

Martha Dandridge was the first of eight children born to Frances Jones and John Dandridge. By the age of 25, Martha was a widow with four children, only two of which would survive to young adulthood. Her first husband, Daniel Parke Custis, was a rich planter and upon his death, left Martha a hefty fortune. In 1759, she married George Washington in a grand wedding at the White House plantation.

Throughout the American Revolutionary War, Martha stayed at George Washington’s winter encampments. When he was elected as the first President of the United States, Martha took on the hosting responsibilities of major social events and parties for the presidential office, including a weekly Friday night public reception. As the nation’s first First Lady, she set the template for future first ladies to come.

She died on May 22, 1802 in her home at Mount Vernon. Following her death, she was interred in George Washington’s tomb vault at Mount Vernon.

Explore Martha Washington’s family tree on Geni and share how you’re connected!