After George Washington died on December 14, 1799, his wife, Martha, burned all of their correspondence. From the perspective of a historian, her decision devastates. However, it was a common 18th century practice for married couples to burn personal correspondence after the death of one spouse. Perhaps it was a way for the surviving spouse … Continue reading “Your Entire George Washington”: The Affection Between George and Martha
marriage
Fielding and Betty Lewis Married 270 Years Ago Today
Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis were married on this date in 1750 and would have celebrated their 270th wedding anniversary this year. In honor of their anniversary, we've taken some creative liberty and have created a fictional newspaper announcement of their nuptials. At the time of their wedding, Betty Washington was sixteen years old, almost … Continue reading Fielding and Betty Lewis Married 270 Years Ago Today
Happily Ever After at Happy Retreat
At George Washington’s Ferry Farm, most of our thinking, research, and writing is focused on the best known and most significant of all Americans, George Washington. But George was not the only Washington to live at Ferry Farm nor was he even the only Washington boy to grow up on this land along the Rappahannock … Continue reading Happily Ever After at Happy Retreat
The Marriage of Mary Ball and Augustine Washington
March 6, 2017 was the 286th wedding anniversary of Augustine and Mary Ball Washington, George Washington’s amazing parents. In addition to calling to mind how grateful we are for their role in raising the boy who would become our courageous General and first president, this anniversary also provides us with an opportunity to discuss the circumstances … Continue reading The Marriage of Mary Ball and Augustine Washington
A Colonial Wedding
A wedding is one of the most monumental moments in a person’s life. The celebrations that accompany the ceremony might range from simple to lavish but they are always highly anticipated and joyous. In this enthusiasm for weddings, we share much with our early American ancestors. Although there are extremely important differences between past and … Continue reading A Colonial Wedding
Lives & Legacies 