Facts about Martha Washington: Fact Sheet of Martha Washington
Facts and Info: This fast fact sheet provides important information about Martha Washington, First Lady of the United States of America.
Facts about Martha Washington: Fast Overview of Events as First Lady
Facts and Info: Martha Washington assumed the position of First Lady to President George Washington. She witnessed the important events of his presidency that included the American Revolution during which her husband commanded the Continental Army, she then saw victory and independence from British rule, the passing of the 1791 Bill of Rights and forming the Constitution of the USA and the birth of the new nation.
Personality and Character: Martha Washington Quotes
Facts and Info: An insight into the personal views, character and personality of this First Lady may be obtained from the following Martha Washington quotes:
"I never go the public place – indeed I think I am more like a state prisoner than anything else, there is certain bounds set for me
which I must not depart from – and as I can not do as I like I am obstinate and stay home a great deal."
"steady as a clock, busy as a bee, and cheerful as a cricket..."
Facts about Martha Washington: Her Nickname or Pet Name "Patsy", "Lady Washington"
Facts and Info: Martha was called by the pet name of Patsy by her family, friends and husband. The high usage of the name Martha during her era led to pet names. Matty was the first name to be used for Martha, which in turn led to Patty and then Patsy. The term "first lady" wasn't used at this time, Martha was called "Lady Washington."
Facts about Martha Washington: First Events
Facts and Info: She was the 1st to serve in the role as First Lady of the United States of America and set the precedents and standards for future first ladies. Martha Washington was also the 1st first Lady to appear on a U.S. postage stamp.
Facts about the Causes and Accomplishments of Martha Washington
Facts and Info: First Ladies are not elected so have no official role. Their accomplishments are therefore based on their own particular wishes that ranged from political interests, humanitarian and charitable causes or duties relating to their family or social responsibilities. The causes and accomplishments of Martha Washington were demonstrated in her support of Revolutionary War veterans. During the war she had helped take care of the sick soldiers. Her important accomplishments related to establishing the role and the duties as the wife of a President of a new nation. Martha Washington looked towards Europe for setting the standards of decorum and behaviour and the experiences of her own and her husband's family for additional inspiration. A difficult task as there were no existing customs or traditions related to this completely new and important role.
Facts about Martha Washington: The Early Life of Martha Washington
Facts and Info: Martha came from an extremely wealthy family and was raised on a plantation. She married her first husband Daniel Parke Custis in 1750 and had two children whose names were Jackie & Patsy. She was widowed in 1757 when she was 25 years old. She was therefore a wealthy widow when she married George in 1759. They never had any children together. Martha Washington supported George during the turmoil and dangers of the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783) and took an active interest in the political events of the era. The couple exchanged letters throughout the war. The Declaration of Independence and victory in the war against the British saw the birth of the new nation.
Facts about Martha Washington: The Life of Martha Washington as First Lady
The colonies had achieved independence and the U.S. Constitution was ratified. Her hero husband was elected to become the first president of the United States and was inaugurated in April of 1789. Washington DC was chosen by the president to become the national capital of the United States of America. The location of the capital was an important political decision and chosen to placate both the Northern and the Southern states. The first residences of the new President and his wife were at first in New York and then in Philadelphia. Martha Washington held slaves in her houses and was not in favor of freeing slaves. The slaves owned by George Washington would only be freed after his death. The first President's house, which would eventually become known as the White House, was never occupied by Martha and his family. After 8 years of construction the second President John Adams and his wife, Abigail (a good friend of Martha), moved into the unfinished house in 1800. The term "First Lady" had not been coined at this time, and Martha was addressed as "Lady Washington." In her role she received visitors, arranged and attended important social events and established Friday public receptions. She wore and took pride in her beautiful, expensive clothes, aware of her public image. Martha missed the relative freedom of Plantation life and often felt trapped by the constant pressures demanded of the wife of the President. When her husband's term of office ended in 1797, the couple returned to their home Mount Vernon. George died on December 14, 1799 and Martha burned all of the letters they had sent to each other. Martha Washington died of a fever May 22, 1802.