Martha Dandridge Custis Washington

Hello. My name is Martha Dandridge, but you might know me by another name. I was born on a big farm called a plantation in Virginia on June 2nd, 1731. As a girl, I didn't go to a school building like you do. Instead, I learned at home how to read, write, and manage a large household. That meant I learned all about how to cook special meals, sew clothes for my family, and take care of everyone living on the farm to make sure they were healthy and well.

When I was eighteen years old, in the year 1750, I married a kind man named Daniel Parke Custis. We were very happy and had four children together. Sadly, only two of our children lived to be older, a boy named John, who we called Jacky, and a girl named Martha, who we called Patsy. Our happy family life changed when my dear Daniel passed away in 1757. I was suddenly left to take care of our children and our large farm all by myself, which was a very big responsibility.

A little while after my husband passed away, I met a tall, quiet man named George Washington. We fell in love and decided to build a life together. We were married on January 6th, 1759. My children, Jacky and Patsy, and I moved to George's beautiful home, which was called Mount Vernon. It was a lovely house on a big river, and we all became one big, happy family there. We spent many wonderful years together at our home.

Our peaceful life at Mount Vernon changed when the American Revolutionary War began in 1775. George was chosen to be the general, the leader of the entire American army. It was a scary and difficult time for our country and for our family. Every winter, I would make the long, cold journey to the army's camp to be with George. I wanted to help, so I mended clothes for the soldiers and did my best to bring them comfort and cheer. The soldiers were always so kind to me, and they even called me 'Lady Washington'.

After the war was won, the leaders of our new country chose George to be the very first president of the United States of America in 1789. That important job for him meant a new job for me, too. I became the very first 'First Lady'. It was a big job. I hosted many dinners and parties at our home. This was an important way to help the leaders of our new nation get to know one another, become friends, and work together to build a strong country. I wanted everyone to feel welcome.

When George finished being president, we returned to our beloved home at Mount Vernon. It was wonderful to be back. After George passed away in 1799, I continued to live at our home, surrounded by my memories and my family. I lived to be 70 years old and passed away in 1802. People remember me as the first First Lady, who helped a new country feel like a family with my kindness and strength. I am proud to have stood by my husband and my country.