Martha Jefferson 1748 – 1782

Biography

Martha Jefferson was born on October 30, 1748, in Charles City County, Virginia, during a transformative period in American colonial history. Her life, though brief, positioned her at the center of one of the nation’s most influential families during its formative years.

As the wife of Thomas Jefferson, Martha served as First Lady of Virginia during her husband’s governorship. She managed the household at Monticello while supporting her husband through his public service and intellectual pursuits. Together, they built a life rooted in the ideals of their Virginia estate, where Martha created a home environment that reflected the values of their era.

Martha Jefferson’s life was cut short when she died on September 6, 1782, in Albemarle County at the age of thirty-three, following complications of childbirth. Her passing marked a profound loss for her family and community. She was laid to rest at Monticello Graveyard in Albemarle County, where her memory remains intertwined with one of America’s most historically significant estates.

Though Martha lived only thirty-four years, her role as a devoted wife and mother left an enduring mark on her family’s legacy and the early American republic.