Q&A
Author Flora Fraser explores the life of Martha Washington and her relationship with one of the key figures of the revolution
Who was Martha Washington?
George Washington’s future wife Martha, born in 1731, was the eldest child of John Dandridge, a tobacco planter and courthouse clerk in southern Virginia. Martha and her siblings grew up on the Pamunkey River, where their father farmed 500 acres, in modest surroundings. The fortunes of Washington’s future wife changed, however, when she married Daniel Parke Custis in 1750. 20 years Martha’s senior, Daniel inherited two great fortunes, including 17,500 acres and almost 300 slaves. He and his bride ordered the latest fashions from London for themselves and for the four children that Martha subsequently bore. The couple enjoyed, however, only a few years of marriage. Two of their children died young and in 1757, at the age of 26, Martha was left a – very rich – widow to bring up her young children Jacky and Patsy Parke Custis.
How did Martha and George Washington meet?
She was soon courted by at least one neighbouring planter, but a tall, young colonial officer, eight months Martha’s junior, from Northern Virginia named George Washington won the day. We know from his household accounts that Washington, then engaged in fighting the French and Indian War, visited Martha at her home twice in March 1758. Further details of their courtship are not known, but the following January the couple were married. George resigned his commission and assumed control of Martha’s dower third of Daniel’s estate and guardianship of her children.
What was their relationship like?
The Washingtons, bride and groom, settled down to marriage and family life at Mount Vernon, the mansion on the Potomac in northern Virginia which George had inherited from an elder halfsibling. Putting Daniel’s legacy to good use, they embellished the interior of the house. Washington also attempted to turn a profit from the 2,000 acres planted with tobacco and farmed by enslaved field hands. At first, austere Washington regarded wealthy Martha as a ‘worthy partner’ for his new life as a planter. Later, admiring her social skills and valuing her support during the war, he became ever more attached to her. Martha loved her husband ardently from the beginning. Although she and Washington never had children, he cared for Jacky and Patsy as if they were his own, and mourned with her when Patsy died young of epilepsy.
