Abstract:
This thesis analyzes the extant fragments of Martha Washington’s wardrobe in order to place her within the fashion context of her day. The analysis shows that rather than falling into the matronly image Americans associate with her, Martha followed the fashions of her day. Since most of the remaining textiles date to the mid-eighteenth century, the examination of her image through her clothing focuses on her life before the American Revolution, with the latter portion of her life focused on documentary descriptions. Before Martha Washington crafted her image to represent the ideal American woman, she appeared fashionable and worthy of her high social rank.
