Martha Washington

Martha Washington was George Washington’s wife and the first First Lady of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797. Her public role helped establish expectations for the president’s household.

George Washington: George Washington was commander of the Continental Army, first president of the United States, and Martha Washington’s husband. Their marriage joined her private life to the emerging presidency.
Presidential receptions of the Washington administration: Formal gatherings hosted by George and Martha Washington for officials, diplomats, and other guests during his presidency. Martha’s weekly receptions made the president’s household a visible center of national life.
First Lady of the United States: The First Lady of the United States is the customary title for the president’s spouse or designated household representative. Martha’s public duties established early precedents for this informal position.
Slavery at Mount Vernon: Slavery at Mount Vernon was the forced labor of enslaved people on George Washington’s Virginia estate. Martha lived within and exercised authority over a household sustained by enslaved labor.
John Parke Custis: John Parke Custis was Martha Washington’s son from her first marriage and a stepson of George Washington. His life connected Martha’s family to the Washington household at Mount Vernon.
New York City: New York City served as the first temporary capital of the United States under the Constitution. Martha hosted the presidential household there when George Washington took office.
Presidential household: A presidential household comprises the family, staff, and domestic operations surrounding a president. Her receptions and hosting helped make household management part of presidential public life.
Dower slaves: Dower slaves were enslaved people legally held for a widow’s lifetime interest in her deceased husband’s estate. Martha’s first husband’s estate included people whose labor and status were governed by this arrangement.
Daniel Parke Custis: Daniel Parke Custis was a wealthy Virginia planter and Martha Washington’s first husband. His death left Martha a wealthy widow before her marriage to George Washington.
Philadelphia: Philadelphia was the temporary national capital of the United States from 1790 to 1800. The Washingtons moved the presidential household there as the capital shifted.

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