Last updated: March 19, 2024
Place
Information Panel: The Presidential Pilgrimage
Photo: NPS / Claire Hassler
Quick Facts
Amenities
2 listed
Benches/Seating, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
Before his death in 1799, George Washington had become one of the most famous people in the world. Hundreds of people from many different countries traveled to Mount Vernon to meet Washington and visit his home. Because of the constant stream of visitors, Washington referred to his home as "a well-resorted tavern." Ever after Washington died, visitors continued to visit his home, see the grounds, and pay their respects at his tomb.
Throughout the 19th century, travelers had two ways of getting to Mount Vernon from either Washington, DC or Alexandria. They could travel by boat on the Potomac River or by land on a horse or carriage. Travel by land was long and difficult as the only road that connected the two was further inland on a path that is now approximated by modern day Route One. In 1892 an electric railway opened that connected Mount Vernon to Alexandria and Washington, DC. Finally, in 1932 (the 200th Anniversary of Washington's birth) the George Washington Memorial Parkway opened up connecting the cities to Mount Vernon. The Parkway, a unit of the National Park Service, provided a proper and suitable scenic path to allow patriotic pilgrims to travel to the home of George Washington.
In 1972, the Mount Vernon Trail was originally created as a small fitness path but has grown to be a major trail for hikers and bikers interested in traveling the length of the Parkway. Today, as many as 1 million people make the pilgrimage to visit Mount Vernon every year. While they many not know it, they are following a path that has been traveled millions of times before by people interested in learning more about and honoring George Washington.
Throughout the 19th century, travelers had two ways of getting to Mount Vernon from either Washington, DC or Alexandria. They could travel by boat on the Potomac River or by land on a horse or carriage. Travel by land was long and difficult as the only road that connected the two was further inland on a path that is now approximated by modern day Route One. In 1892 an electric railway opened that connected Mount Vernon to Alexandria and Washington, DC. Finally, in 1932 (the 200th Anniversary of Washington's birth) the George Washington Memorial Parkway opened up connecting the cities to Mount Vernon. The Parkway, a unit of the National Park Service, provided a proper and suitable scenic path to allow patriotic pilgrims to travel to the home of George Washington.
In 1972, the Mount Vernon Trail was originally created as a small fitness path but has grown to be a major trail for hikers and bikers interested in traveling the length of the Parkway. Today, as many as 1 million people make the pilgrimage to visit Mount Vernon every year. While they many not know it, they are following a path that has been traveled millions of times before by people interested in learning more about and honoring George Washington.