dower

After Martha’s death, a dower slave would be part of the Custis estate once more and passed on to the rightful heir.

In 1796, Judge learned of Martha Washington's plan to sign over her dower enslavement to the first lady's granddaughter as a wedding present, ensuring her bondage back in Virginia.

Did you know that some of the names belong to people who were “dower slaves,” legally controlled by Martha?

“To help in raising and dowering her three daughters, as they are soon to be of marriaging age.”

Most actors were coming in with this very dower, very reserved, very insular portrayal that didn’t have a lot of character stuff that you could latch onto.