Visit History at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate

Located 16 miles south of Washington DC, Mount Vernon, the estate of George and Martha Washington, sits atop an undeveloped area along the Potomac River.  The Washington’s acquired the estate in the mid 1700’s, and George oversaw the development of the estate, from design through furnishings, even while he was off fighting in the Revolutionary War.

Whether he was a control freak, or just didn’t trust Martha’s judgment, I’m not sure, but the results are most impressive.  Today Mount Vernon is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  It is open to the public for guided Mansion tours, featuring 14 rooms that have been restored and furnished in period pieces, including some original items from the Washington family.  In additional to the Mansion, visitors can tour the grounds on their own.

The front yard of the Mansion is a bowling green, a large beautifully landscaped yard and drive.  This would have been the entrance that guests used when visiting the estate.

Mount Vernon was both a home and a working plantation, and the surrounding grounds reflect that.  The backyard is huge, and overlooks the Potomac.  One can imagine the Washington’s entertaining on the lawn and enjoying time there with family and friends.  The out building that you can walk through include the slave quarters, ice house, overseer’s quarters, kitchen, wash house, stable and paddock, and the coach house.

The gardens are one of the best parts of the estate.  There are four gardens, a Forest Trail, and a Pioneer Farmer site, the latter a working farm.  The flower beds in the gardens have been restored to their original size, and contain flowers, herbs, fruit trees and vegetables.  English Boxwoods, taken from cuttings from 1786, are still alive and thriving on the grounds.

George Washington died in the Mansion’s master bedroom on December 14th, 1700.  Pursuant to his will, he was laid to rest in a brick tomb located on his beloved Mount Vernon estate.  Martha’s body lies there as well.  Wreath laying ceremonies are held daily.  Near the tomb is a Slave Memorial and Burial Ground.

Also on the grounds is a museum, featuring some of Washington’s survey equipment, weapons and clothing, as well as his dentures.

A couple years ago, a Grist Mill and reconstruction of Washington’s distillery opened, a short ways away from the estate.  It is a fully functional replica, and, pursuant to special legislation, is authorized to produce up to 5,000 gallons of whiskey annually.  It is for sale only at the Mount Vernon gift estate.

Mount Vernon is open daily, with Mansion tours offered from 8 am to 5 pm during the summer.  The grounds close a half hour later.

Admission is $15 for adults, $14 for seniors (ages 62+), $7 for youth (ages 6-11), and children under 6 are FREE.  Admission to the distillery and grist mill are $4 for adults and $2 for youth.  Although not required, purchasing tickets in advance is recommended, especially during the busy summer months.

You can make a quick tour the Mansion and grounds, or spend the entire day at the estate, depending on your available time.  Young children will enjoy the outdoor areas, but may be a bit bored and the interior hands-off tour.  Older kids and teens can teens should enjoy Mount Vernon, and it’s a great opportunity to see history right up close.

Mount Vernon is most easily reached by car, but if you don’t have one available, a little effort will get you there via the Metro.  Take the Yellow Line to Huntington Station, and exit onto Huntington Avenue (lower level).  From there catch the #101 Fairfax Connector Bus to the Mount Vernon entrance gate, about a 20 minute trip.

Photo credit:  David Paul Ohmer @flickr (Mount Vernon); Prince Roy @flickr (Grist Mill)