Martha Washington

Profession: 1st US First Lady

Nationality:

Biography: Martha Washington was the wife of George Washington, the first president of the United States. She is considered the first, first lady of the country, although the title was not coined until after her death.

Martha was born in 1731 on a plantation in Virginia. She was the oldest of eight children and helped care for her siblings from a young age. In 1750, she married Daniel Parke Custis and had four children with him, however only one child survived to adulthood. When her husband died in 1757, Martha inherited a large estate.

In 1759, Martha married George Washington and moved to his Mount Vernon estate. There she managed the household and entertained guests. During the American Revolution, Martha supported her husband's role as commander-in-chief and became a symbol of the war effort, including taking on a motherly role in military camps. Tragically her only surviving child, John, died during the war.

As the inaugural first lady, Martha reluctantly took on the role of the president's wife from 1789 to 1797. She hosted social events and balanced dignity with republican values. Many of her activities set examples for future first ladies to follow.

After her husband's presidency ended, Martha returned to Mount Vernon. George Washington died in 1799, and Martha passed away in 1802. They were both buried at Mount Vernon.

Born: June 13, 1731
Birthplace: Kent County, Virginia, USA
Star Sign: Gemini

Died: May 22, 1802 (aged 70)