Daniel Parke Custis died on July 8, 1757, making Martha a wealthy widow.
Daniel Parke Custis’s sudden death on July 8, 1757, left Martha a widow with significant wealth and responsibility. At only 26 years old, she became a prominent and independent figure, managing extensive estates and facing the complexities of raising a family alone in colonial Virginia. Her wealth and position made her an attractive match to many, including George Washington.