The Strong Women Behind President Washington

This week we celebrate what most people call “President’s Day”, but did you know the observed federal holiday is officially called “Washington’s Birthday”? According to the online Almanac (remember the old ‘Farmers’ Almanac’?), “Neither Congress nor the president has ever stipulated that the name of the holiday observed as Washington’s Birthday be changed to Presidents’ Day.” … Regardless of the name, I thought it would be interesting to learn how our first American President was influenced by the most significant women in his life. 

Mary Ball Washington was George Washington's mother, revered as “The Mother of Washington” by some in early history, but vilified in more recent years. Family dynamics can be messy as we all know, and Mary was complex. George was her first child of six, and Mary raised them as a single widow starting when George was 11 years old. Mary, as George Washington's sole surviving parent, “was an undeniably influential figure in the life of the first president.” 

Martha Dandridge Custis Washington married George when she was 27, a wealthy widow who had borne four children (who sadly would all die before she). “The attraction between George and Martha was mutual, powerful, and immediate.” 

Unlike most girls of her time, Martha could read and write at an early age. Throughout her life she read the Bible and other devotional literature to strengthen her faith, and novels and magazines for entertainment and knowledge of the day.  

During the Revolutionary War, General Washington asked Martha to join him at his winter encampments. He “regarded his wife’s presence as so essential to the cause that he sought reimbursement from Congress for her traveling expenses.” 

As our nation’s first First Lady, Martha Washington realized that she would set the precedent for future wives of chief executives. One of her most important steps was to initiate a weekly reception on Friday evenings for anyone wanting to attend, including members of Congress, visiting dignitaries, and men and women from the local community. 

Think of the strength and encouragement of just these two women and the powerful influence they had on our nation’s first President--not to mention the entire culture and principles that built our young American Republic. History reveals countless other critically impactful women.  

Ronald Reagan was another American President with fascinating women who greatly influenced him. He was profoundly supported by First Lady Nancy Reagan. And then there was his mother, Nelle Wilson Reagan. So deep was her lasting impact on our 40th President that Reagan drew on her strength throughout his life. Here’s a short video of gratitude he recorded on Mother’s Day to her and to all America’s mothers.  

To celebrate the great American Presidents and founders, we must remember and revere the powerful women who helped make them great leaders—their mothers, grandmothers, wives, sisters and friends! 

On Thursday night March 5, bring your friends and spouses to the America’s Women Summit 2026: Strong Women. Strong Nation. Keynote speaker, Peggy Grande was Reagan’s close assistant for ten years. She’s a Presidential appointee at the National Archives, wrote the book, “The President Will See You Now”, and is currently researching Nelle Reagan. (Buy tickets today so you don’t miss it!) 

Whether you’re a mom, grandma, wife, sister, daughter or friend, YOU are a strong and important influence! Let’s celebrate and encourage EVERY America’s Woman to be Informed, Engaged and Voting to strengthen the fabric of American culture--and ultimately the future of our entire nation!