The Custis family was a prominent American family in the 18th century, known for their connections to the founding of the United States. They were related to notable figures, including George Washington, who married Martha Custis, a wealthy widow. The family's estate, known as Mount Vernon, played a significant role in early American history. The Custis family also had ties to the Virginia gentry and owned large plantations. Their wealth came from agriculture, particularly tobacco farming. The family's legacy continues to be studied in the context of American history and the social dynamics of the colonial period.