The first half of George Washington's first term as president was spent in New York, the temporary American capital. Martha and George had to muddle their way through being the first to hold their positions, and it wasn't always pleasant.

Transcript available at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/1.9

Music by Matthew Dull

Lots packed into this episode! The battle of Yorktown in 1781, followed by the end of the war and Martha and George's return to Mount Vernon. But just a few years later, George was elected to be the first president, and he and Martha had to leave their home once again to serve their country.

Transcript available at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/1.8

Music by Matthew Dull

Despite the assistance of the French, the war dragged on for years. Martha continued to join George every winter in camp for the season, returning to Mount Vernon each summer to spend time with her growing brood of grandchildren.

Transcript at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/1.7

Music by Matthew Dull

This episode covers late 1775 into 1777, the winters that Martha spent with George in army encampments, the work she did to support the Continental Army, and the battles fought during that portion of the war.

Transcript and further information at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/1.6

Music by Matthew Dull

Tensions between America and Great Britain come to a head and the War of American Independence begins. Martha and George Washington are in the middle of it all, especially once he's named Commander-in-Chief of the combined colonial militias.

Transcript and further information at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/1.5

Music by Matthew Dull

The early years of George and Martha Washington's marriage were full of activity and coincided with the rising tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain.

Transcript at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/1.4

Music by Matthew Dull

This episode covers Daniel and Patsy Custis's life together, the birth of their children, and Daniel's untimely death. It also covers Patsy's courtship by George Washington and their wedding.

Transcript and further materials available at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/1.3

Music by Matt Dull

The woman who would become known as Martha Washington was born Martha "Patsy" Dandridge in 1731. This episode covers Patsy's childhood in colonial Virginia, up to her marriage to Daniel Custis in 1750.

Transcript and further information (like the drawing of a "gig" mentioned in the episode available at americasfirstladiespodcast/1.2

Music by Matthew Dull

Before we dive into the life of Martha Washington, here's an introduction to give you context and background information relevant to the time period we'll discuss this season. I heartily recommend listening to this episode before beginning Episode 2!

Transcript available at americasfirstladiespodcast.com

Music by Matthew Dull

How much do you really know about America’s First Ladies? This podcast is going to take a deep look at every woman who has served as First Lady, going chronologically and starting at the beginning, with Martha Washington. This is an easy listen, not like sitting through a boring lecture. These women led vibrant lives, and together, we can get to know them better. Each season is a long-form narrative covering the life of a different First Lady. New episodes released on Fridays.