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Mary Ball Washington (née Ball; c. 1707–1709 – () August 25, 1789) was an American planter best known for being the mother of the first president of the United States, George Washington. The second wife of Augustine Washington, she became a prominent member of the Washington family.
Mary Ball Washington was George Washington's mother. Limited information about Mary and her personal life has survived, although the historical record shows that she shared a complex and oftentimes strained relationship with her son.
Mary Ball Washington—once described by her son’s biographers as a pious, self-sacrificing widow raising five children under difficult circumstances—has come more recently to be seen as selfish, cold, and determined to thwart her son’s ambitions. While neither portrait captures the strong, complex, and anxious woman revealed in the ...
May 10, 2019 · In the drama of her son’s life, Mary Ball Washington has been cast as a villain and a saint—or written out entirely. In reality, she was an independent woman at a time when few others...
May 7, 2021 · Mary Ball Washington, George’s single mother, often gets overlooked – but she’s well worth saluting. Published: May 7, 2021 12:33pm EDT. Mary Washington helped her son develop into the...
Read about Mary Ball Washington's long struggle with breast cancer and Washington's handling of his mother's death. Learn More
This site focuses on the history of Mary Ball Washington, George Washington’s mother and the namesake of the University of Mary Washington. It includes information about her childhood, marriage, and life after children.
Read about Mary Ball Washington’s tumultuous early childhood, during which she lost her father, her stepfather, and her mother before the age of 12. This excerpt explores the economic, social, and emotional effects of this loss on Mary.
May 7, 2020 · For Mother’s Day, Association President Stewart McLaurin interviews Craig Shirley, author of Mary Ball Washington: The Untold Story of Washington’s Mother, about how our first president’s life and personality was shaped by the unique character of his mother.
mary ball washington— once described by her son’s biographers as a pious, self-sacrificing widow capably raising five children under difficult circumstances—has come more recently to be seen as selfish, cold, and determined to thwart her son’s ambitions.
