Mount Vernon

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Washington’s Study at Mount Vernon

Washington's Dining Room at Mt. Vernon

Mount Vernon Mansion East Front

GW Gardens

Mount Vernon is the former plantation estate and burial location of George Washington, the first President of the United States, and his wife, Martha Washington. Located near Alexandria, Virginia, on the banks of the Potomac River, it is one of the most iconic historic homes in America. Mount Vernon was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and is owned and maintained by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, a pioneering preservation organization founded in 1853.

History

Mount Vernon was originally a part of an estate owned by the Washington family since 1674. The estate was passed down to Lawrence Washington, George Washington's half-brother, who named it after Admiral Edward Vernon, under whom he had served. When Lawrence died in 1752, George Washington leased the property from Lawrence's widow and eventually inherited it outright in 1761.

Under George Washington's ownership, the estate expanded significantly. Washington oversaw the construction and expansion of the mansion house and diversified the plantation's operations to include fishing, horse breeding, hog production, spinning, and weaving. Mount Vernon became a bustling estate, reflecting Washington's status as a gentleman planter and a leader in the colonial Virginia society.

The Mansion

The centerpiece of Mount Vernon is the mansion house, a two-story structure with a large piazza overlooking the Potomac River. The mansion is an excellent example of Colonial architecture, with a symmetrical facade and a large central hallway that runs through the house. The interior of the mansion includes several notable rooms, including the New Room, Washington's study, and the dining room, each meticulously restored and maintained to reflect its appearance in the late 18th century.

Outbuildings and Grounds

Surrounding the mansion are numerous outbuildings, including the kitchen, slave quarters, smokehouse, coach house, and stables, which provide insight into the operation of an 18th-century plantation. The estate also features four gardens, including a kitchen garden, a pleasure garden, a botanical garden, and a lower garden, each designed according to Washington's specifications.

Slavery at Mount Vernon

Slavery was an integral part of life at Mount Vernon. George Washington owned slaves who worked on his plantation, in his household, and in his businesses. Over the years, Washington's views on slavery evolved, and in his will, he made provisions for the emancipation of his slaves upon the death of his wife, Martha Washington.

Legacy and Preservation

Today, Mount Vernon is an important cultural and historical site, attracting visitors from around the world. The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association has been instrumental in preserving the estate and educating the public about George Washington's legacy. The estate offers tours of the mansion, gardens, and outbuildings, as well as educational programs and special events throughout the year.

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