Happy Anniversary Washingtons
“Happy Anniversary Washingtons” Next month many will note George Washington’s 286 th birthday. No one noticed that last week, January 7 th , was his wedding anniversary with Martha. Their marriage lasted over 40 years until his death on December 14, 1799. As weddings go theirs was a “simple” affair. That is if you think simple includes 200 guests, an almost equal number of “servants,” and bridal gowns and shoes imported from London for just such as occasion. Oh, and it was on her 17,500 acre estate, inherited from her deceased husband of 7 years, Daniel Parke Custis, with whom she had 4 children. Tragically none of the children would survive her and only one lived to adulthood. The late Daniel Curtis was incredibly wealthy and since he died intestate Martha inherited all the property. The “simple” wedding had everything available to rich folks in those days. Friends, family, important guests, and an Anglican clergyman. It had a cake and pu...