Mount Vernon!

What Is Mount Vernon?

This was the famous plantation and estate of George Washington!

What Makes It Historical?

When Augustine Washington settled here in 1734, he named this estate the Little Hunting Creek Plantation, which then passed to Lawrence Washington, George’s half brother, in 1743. Lawrence renamed the estate in honor of his former commander in the British Army, Admiral Edward Vernon. Many years later, after Lawrence had died of tuberculosis, followed by his daughter, Sarah, and his widow, Anne, George officially inherited Mount Vernon in 1761!

Educated as a surveyor, George experimented in farming and architecture here between campaigns in the French and Indian War, Revolution, and two terms as president. Over the course of his time here, Mount Vernon expanded to a 7,600-acre estate with an 11,000 square foot mansion! Here were gardens and greenhouses, orchards and pastures, a place he loved dearly and tried to return regularly. His and Martha’s tombs are both here for that reason.

Almost a small town, more than a house, Mount Vernon’s lifeblood was enslaved labor, with up to 317 enslaved folks tending the gardens, stables, washhouse, spinning house, blacksmith shop, and house affairs! 47 ran away, with varying success, and while George Washington wrote freedom into his last will and testament, only about half of Mount Vernon’s slaves actually gained it after passing along to Martha’s grandchildren.

How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?

Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
Volunteer at Mount Vernon!
Donate to the Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union!
Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!