There are few primary resources for Mary Ball Washington so it is difficult to get a full sense of who she was and her character other than her motherhood of George Washington. At best, she is remembered as a strong and independent woman as many recent biographers of her son have described her in much less flattering language.
 |
| Source: New York Public Library |
She married Augustine Washington in 1731 and was then widowed in 1743 with responsibility for 5 children and the management of Ferry Farm, Augustine's estate. Simply said, she had to be strong and independent.
Mount Vernon Ladies Association produced this biographic video of Martha.
Recent biographers of Martha Ball Washington have been uncovered her story and life. Mount Vernon recently hosted a discussion with these authors.
Martha did live to see George become the first President of the United States. This engraving, done years later, depicts the last visit between the two of them. It credits George as saying:
All that I am I owe to my mother.
 |
| Source: New York Public Library |
