George Washington Parke Custis was born on April 30, 1781, and was the only child of Martha Washington and George Washington's step-grandson. He grew up at Mount Vernon, the estate of his famous grandfather, and became a prominent landowner and plantation manager in Virginia. Custis was also a writer and playwright, known for his works that celebrated American history and culture. Custis played a significant role in preserving the legacy of George Washington. He built Arlington House in Virginia, which served as a memorial to his grandfather. Custis's efforts contributed to the establishment of Arlington National Cemetery on the grounds of his estate after the Civil War.