---

Survey of Historic Sites and Buildings

	MOUNT VERNON Virginia
Fairfax County, on Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, about 7 miles south of Alexandria. The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association

Ownership and Administration. Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union.

Significance. Overlooking the Potomac River, in a setting of serene elegance and beauty, is George Washington's plantation estate, Mount Vernon. Its sweeping lawns, beautiful gardens, magnificent mansion, and carefully planned outbuildings are a superb representation of a Virginia plantation home. Many shrines commemorate George Washington as President, military leader, and statesman, but only Mount Vernon reveals the plantation farmer and country gentleman.

The history of the estate dates back to the late 17th century. In 1674 John Washington and Nicholas Spencer obtained a 5,000-acre grant of land along the Potomac. In 1690 they divided it. Mildred Washington inherited the Washington half, and in 1726 sold it to her brother Augustine, George's father. He deeded it to his eldest son, Lawrence, George's half-brother, who settled on the estate and probably began to construct the present mansion. In 1754, 2 years after Lawrence's death, George Washington inherited the property. Military service in the French and Indian War kept him away until 1759, when he married and brought his new bride there. For 15 years he lived on the estate, whose mansion had by that time been partially built, as a prosperous planter; and planned the mansion and grounds as they appear today. He had hardly begun to enlarge the mansion and carry out his plans, when, in 1775, he went to Philadelphia to serve in the Second Continental Congress. Congress appointed him commander in chief of the Continental Army, and it was 6 years before he again saw Mount Vernon.

While Washington was away, during the War for Independence, a kinsman, Lund Washington, carried out his plans for the estate; he enlarged the main house, built the outbuildings, landscaped the grounds, and extended the gardens. Washington found the mansion completed in 1781, when he stopped off on his way to and from Yorktown. After resigning his commission, 2 years later, he returned to Mount Vernon. In 1789, elected President, he departed once again and was able to return only about twice a year for the following 8 years. In 1797 he returned for a final time, retired, and died 2 years later. He and his wife are buried on the estate.

Mount Vernon, the plantation home of George Washington, is a historic shrine to Americans. Courtesy, Mount Vernon Ladies' Association.

Present Appearance. In 1858 the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union acquired title to Mount Vernon from Washington's great-grandnephew. By that time only the mansion remained; all the furnishings had disappeared. The association has refurnished the house with period pieces, including many of the originals. At its peak, during Washington's lifetime, the estate contained about 8,000 acres and was divided into five farms. After Washington's death four of them were divided and subdivided and only the present 500-acre tract remains.

The mansion is an outstanding example of colonial architecture. Most striking is the high-columned piazza, extending the full length of the structure and overlooking the Potomac. The exterior wood siding is beveled, and its paint contains sand to give the appearance of stone. The first floor of the house is divided by a central hall. From the piazza side, to the right are the musicroom, west parlor, and banquet hall; to the left, the bedchamber, dining room, and library. On the second floor are the blue bedroom, Lafayette's bedroom, the yellow bedroom, Nelly Custis' bedroom, and George Washington's bedroom. The third floor includes three bedrooms and two storerooms. The kitchen and pantries are located outside but adjacent to the house. Various outbuildings have been restored in detail, as have the gardens and lawn. The mansion is open to the public.

NHL Designation: 12/19/60