Presidents and First Ladies An intimate glimpse into the lives of the first families of the United States, Presidents and First Ladies is an exciting and insightful new series that highlights the personal histories of select presidents and first ladies as well as the historical events that shaped their terms in office. Documentary photography, illustrations, and maps combine with compelling text and excerpts from letters and other primary sources to reveal how key personal, political, and historical events affected each leader and their spouse, and consequently the climate of the entire nation.

Today we revere George Washington as a hero who, by virtue of singular courage, determination, and integrity, oversaw the difficult birth of the United States of America. We tend to forget that, like most famous people, George owed his reputation to a combination of character and good luck. Martha was part of that good luck. Toward the end of Washington's life, a testy old veteran of the Revolutionary War decided to take the famous ex-president down a peg. "What would you have been," he snapped at Washington, "if you hadn't married the Widow Custis?"

It is possible that without Martha's support, George Washington would never have had the opportunity to become the "father of his country."