Marcia Van Ness

Marcia Burnes Van Ness (May 9, 1782 – September 10, 1832) was an American socialite in Washington City, who some called "the heiress of Washington City" after her father's death. She helped found and was the first directress of the Washington City Orphan Asylum as the result of many children become homeless after the death of their parents during the War of 1812. She and her husband John Peter Van Ness entertained Washington dignitaries at their residence, Van Ness Mansion.

Early life Marcia Burnes was born on May 9, 1782, to Ann and David Burnes on their plantation in what would become Washington City (present day Washington, D.C.). Her father was a Scottish farmer, landowner and slave owner. He owned 600 acres of land and used it for tobacco and corn crops. Her father sold the land in 1791 to make the city of Washington, which made the family wealthy.

Burnes attended the School for Young Ladies in Georgetown. She then went to Baltimore to complete her education at Madame Lacomb's Female Academy, while staying with the lawyer Luther Martin and his family. Her brother, John, studied law under Luther Martin. While staying with the Martins, painter Charles Willson Peale painted a miniature of her at the age of fifteen.

Around 1816, Benjamin Henry Latrobe built the Van Ness Mansion on 17th Street. Her funeral marked the first time the United States Congress adjourned for the funeral of a woman.