The Life of Martha Washington

Colonial Settlement
Written By Tom Hand

Martha Washington was born on June 2, 1731 in New Kent County, Virginia. At 18, she married Daniel Parke Custis, who died unexpectedly, leaving Martha a 26-year-old wealthy widow with two children. Martha’s parlor became the destination of many bachelors in Virginia, including George Washington. They were married in 1759 and lived a fairly quiet life at Mount Vernon until George was named the commander of the Continental Army in 1775.

Tom Hand, creator and publisher of Americana Corner, discusses Martha Washington’s life as wife, mother and our nation’s first First Lady, and why it still matters today.

Images courtesy of The White House Historical Association, Museums at Washington and Lee University, Encyclopedia Virginia, Mount Vernon, Library of Congress, National Gallery of Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, National Museum of American History, Brooklyn Museum, National Portrait Gallery – Smithsonian Institution, Wikipedia. 

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Tom Hand
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