Part 2, The Planter: Chapters 9-15 Summary and Analysis

George and Martha Washington married in January of 1759. Marriage to Martha brought with it a substantial estate belonging to the two Custis children that Washington would be executor of for the rest of his life.

Washington was a slave owner. When he married Martha, the slave population at Mount Vernon more than doubled. Washington saw himself as a kind slaveholder, providing slaves with good food, clothing, and housing, as well as urging his overseers to take special care with sick slaves.

Washington was a strong, athletic man who was often the center of attention with women. Washington was quite social. Washington was also an accomplished dancer.

As a wealthy plantation owner, Washington gained a certain standing in the community that was underscored by his seat in the House of Burgesses that he won...