Martha Dandridge Custis was born in Virginia in 1731 to wealthy, aristocratic plantation owners and was raised and educated for a life of privilege. However, she was widowed at age twenty-five and suffered the loss of all four of her children in her lifetime.

Martha married the gallant young military officer, George Washington, in 1759 and they enjoyed fifteen years of privileged plantation life at Mount Vernon.

In 1775, her life became one of duty and sacrifice for her husband and the cause of the American Revolution. She frequently acted as Washington's secretary, taking care of military correspondence. She and other officers' wives provided blankets, clothes, bandages, and food to the troops. Martha worked in the field hospitals, caring for the injured. Martha remained with her husband and his troops during the winter at Valley Forge, giving care and support.

Following the Revolution, Martha Washington was the original “First Lady” and carried out official duties with dignity and kindness. She died in 1802, just three years after the passing of her beloved George.