A 2013 - 2014 original C-SPAN feature series telling the stories of America's First Ladies - from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama -
through conversations with top experts, video tours of historic sites, and questions from C-SPAN's audience.

America's First Ladies — from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama
Martha Washington
First Lady: 1789 - 1797
Click the list to watch videos
  • Martha Washington Program
  • George and Martha's political partnership
  • Martha Washington's children
  • Life at Mount Vernon after her husband's death
  • Defining role of First Lady
  • Entertaining: Setting precedents
  • George Washington's Will
  • George and Martha's politics after the Presidency
  • Martha's personality
  • Marriage and relationship
  • Entertaining at Mount Vernon
  • William Seale on Martha's upbringing
  • President's House in Philadelphia
  • Early years in Williamsburg
  • Running Mount Vernon
  • Garret Bedchamber at Mount Vernon
  • Life in Valley Forge
  • Master Bedroom at Mount Vernon
  • Entertaining during the Presidency
  • Early Life
  • Motherhood and Family
  • Rep. Patricia Schroeder on Martha Washington
  • A Brief Introduction to Martha Washington
  • Martha and George Washington's Relationship
  • Richard Norton Smith on Martha Washington

Biography

Martha Washington

George Washington
I am still determined to be cheerful and to be happy in whatever situation I may be, for I have also learnt from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.

Born - June 2, 1731 in Chestnut Grove, New Kent County, Virginia

Parents - John Dandridge & Frances Jones Dandridge

Married - January 6, 1759 to Colonel George Washington (first married to Daniel Parke Custis in 1750, widowed in 1757)

Children - (all from first marriage)
Daniel Custis (1751 - 1754),
Frances Custis (1753 - 1757),
John "Jacky" Custis (1754 - 1781),
Martha "Patsy" Custis (1756 - 1773)

Firsts - 1st First Lady

Post White House residence - Mount Vernon, Virginia

Died - May 22, 1802 in Mount Vernon, Virginia

Click here to see full bio of Martha Washington

 
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