American History Tellers First Ladies | Martha Washington | 1
Jun 26, 2024
Martha Washington, the first First Lady of the United States, navigated uncharted waters as she accompanied George Washington during the Revolutionary War and presidency. The podcast explores Martha's challenges in defining her position, her experiences during the war, her decision to emancipate Mount Vernon's slaves, and her complex legacy as America's first lady.
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A Republican's Observation
- In 1794, a Democratic-Republican loyalist attends a drawing room at the presidential mansion in Philadelphia.
- He discusses the event's formality, resembling monarchy, with Thomas Woodhouse, another attendee.
Martha's Marriages
- Martha Dandridge Custis, a wealthy widow, married George Washington in 1759.
- This was after her first husband, Daniel Parke Custis, died in 1757, leaving her responsible for vast estates and enslaved people.
A Strategic Alliance
- George Washington, a rising landowner, married Martha Custis, drawn to her wealth and charm.
- Despite initial pragmatism, their marriage developed into a deep, enduring love.