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Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object name |
Slipper |
Date |
late 18th century |
Place of origin |
United States |
Physical description |
By tradition, this slipper belonged to Martha Washington; it was presented to her by Lady Watts in 1779. Typical ladies gold slipper, has buckle and high heel. (made of gold brocade?) Written on covering of shoe support: "Presented to Lady Mary Watts by Lady Washington, 1789" (7/3/08) Mary Watts (formally Alexander) was the daughter of prominent Colonial Society family, the matriarch being Lady Stirling (married as Alexander and was the sibling of Robert Livingston). Mary married Robert Watts (son of a Loyalist) in 1775 and moved to New York City. Due to Mary's loyality to her husband she was shunned by Patriots, even denied the right to attend her sister, Kitty's marriage in 1779. Mary remained in NYC throughout the British occupation. Her father was appointed Major General in George Washington's camp at Valley Forge, PA. During this time the Alexanders' developed a close relationship with the Washingtons'. Afer the war it was documented that Lady Stirling and her two daughters attended Washington's inauguration ball in NYC. It may have been after this event that the shoe was given from Martha Washington to Lady Mary Watts. |
Current exhibit |
Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York History |
Gallery label |
Conservation sponsored by Americana Corner Preserving America Grant Program |
Catalogue number |
X338 |
Collection name |
Costume and Textiles |
Credit line |
Collection of Fraunces Tavern Museum |