4/21/15

Presidential Home ~ Mount Vernon



While visiting Washington DC with the kids during spring break, we took a quick jaunt over to the plantation estate of George Washington, Mt. Vernon.



The estate sits on the banks of the Potomac River in Fairfax Virginia.


Mt Vernon was a family owned estate of which Washington acquired possession in 1754. He didn't become sole owner of the property until 1761.


As you can see the cupola is being refurbished. The cupola itself is topped off with a weathervane in the shape of a dove bearing an olive branch.


The Servants Hall lies adjacent to the left of the Bowling Green side of the mansion.


To the right of the mansion is the kitchen.



Beautiful arched walkways connect the two outer buildings to the mansion.


The dung repository in the background is located near the stable.


The gardens of Mt. Vernon.


Shortly after his death on December 14, 1799, George Washington's body was laid to rest in the Old Tomb at Mt. Vernon.


The new tomb was opened in 1831, two marble sarcophagus's are housed by this vault. The final resting place for both George and Martha Washington.


The sheep paddock near the stables.



After Washington's death the plantation passed through a series of relatives who were unable for one reason or another, to maintain the property. In 1858 the Mount Vernon Ladies Association acquired the plantation and part of the property thus rescuing it from neglect and disrepair. During the civil war the estate served as neutral ground for both the North and the South.


XO

12 comments:

  1. I have never been there. I really enjoyed the tour and the information you shared. I love going to historic places like that. My sons would like that too. Sounds like you had a fun Spring break!

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  2. I still remember going to Mr Vernon when I was in 8th grade! Many junior highs back in the 1960s used to send classes of students to Washington DC and on the way from Ohio to DC we also did Gettysburg. And we did 'local' areas like Mt Vernon. I still have a few pictures from the trip tucked away in my photo boxes!
    GADawn57

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  3. toured there many years ago and I just loved the place. Thanks for bringing back some fond memories. It is such a lovely place. I always try to visit each President's place if I am there.
    So glad you had a lovely time and what a great history lesson for your children.
    Mary

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  4. i love Mt Vernon and have visited several times: the 'servants' were slaves and i think that's how they should be identified. most, if not all of our founding moms and dads were slaveholders, even the ones who lived in the North. we need to appreciate the past but keep the facts in mind.

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  5. Barb, When we lived in Richmond we enjoyed visiting the historical sites of Virginia and DC. Mt. Vernon was a great day trip.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  6. Isn't that just a joy to tour? I think it is so beautiful there. What amazed me was that it was neutral ground for Yanks & Confederates alike. That was unheard of in those days. What a wonderful touch of "real history" for your kids. So much better than learning about it out of a book! xo Diana

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  7. What gorgeous photo-makes me want to go!

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  8. Beautiful pictures! Thank you for the mini history lesson... very interesting! This might sound strange but we have a "dung repository" though I never knew the proper name until I read this post! :) We live on a horse property so there is a system set up behind the barn.

    We dream of taking our boys to the east coast and touring many historic sites! Living in the Seattle area, it takes some planning :) but hopefully within the next few years!

    Enjoyed the post - thanks again! ~julie

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  9. This was very interesting...thanks for posting! It prompted me to go looking for pictures of the interior!...which led me to reading about Washington's last days in the home. Great history lesson! :)

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  10. I've been to Mt. Vernon a few times, but the most fun was when we took our son. It's a great family destination!

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