Description
Martha Dandridge Washington was the wife of the Continental Army’s commander-in-chief and first president of the U.S.A. She was integral to fundraising during the Revolutionary War and stayed by her husband’s side during the army᾽s winter encampment, acting as hostess for many events. Soldiers referred to her as “Lady Washington.” Martha Washington entertained frequent visitors at Mount Vernon after her husband left office and was granted free postage or “franking” to respond to the flood of condolences following Washington᾽s death in 1799. She is the first woman to have her likeness printed on U.S. currency in 1886 and U.S. postage in 1902.
Valley Forge
As British forces occupied Philadelphia, Washington led 12,000 soldiers and 400 women and children into an encampment at Valley Forge. Winter conditions were brutal and 2,000 people died of disease. Baron von Steuben drilled and trained the soldiers, while Washington improved military organization, creating a modern United States Army.
The Revolutionary War
The Revolutionary War was fought from 1775 to 1783. It began as a revolt of the colonies against what they believed was unfair taxation. While it started as a conflict between Great Britain and the thirteen American colonies, it soon became a global conflict. France actively sided with the colonies, and the French naval fleet was instrumental in defeating the British at Yorktown. Holland supplied the colonies with weapons, while Spain supplied funding and diverted British forces by fighting on a second front and winning back Spanish forts in Florida that they lost during the Seven Years War. No independent country sided with Great Britain, but Britain employed German mercenaries, known as Hessians.
This Martha Washington history mug is part of our Revolutionary War series which includes many of the notable figures who played major roles during this conflict.
The biographical History Mugs were created to teach and inspire individuals to learn about our diverse and interesting history. The biographies were researched and written by history enthusiast, Robert Compton. He colorized most of the historic photos and images used on the mugs, which were originally black and white or sepia tone. The images and biographies are imprinted on mugs at his studio in rural Vermont.
- Mugs are food and microwave safe.
- To preserve photographic quality we recommend hand washing.
- Mugs are usually shipped within 3-5 days.
- Shipping charges are lower when buying multiple mugs.
