George Washington's Mount Vernon

Considered to be a General, a Statesman, and a Farmer, George Washington's self described passion was his estate at Mt. Vernon. With roots in the soil, George pioneered practices in the growing of crops, cattle, sheep, and fruit trees. He specified, for example, that the Cherry trees were to be planted 40 feet apart in a rectangular pattern to maximize sunlight and production. Even the infrastructure of the estate came under his scrutiny. Drainage ditches must have trees and shrubs planted along their banks to stabilize the soil. Crops were grown in vast tracts, but there was a special area reserved to allow crops to go to seed, thereby providing the seeds for next years crop. Quite a remarkable achievement for the day, but remember that agriculture was a huge component of life in the 1700's.

Our visit began at the entry and ticket booth (sure, and they're still makin' money off old George),

A huge expanse of field is visible upon entering. This would have been planted in a productive crop in Georges time.

A couple of head of beef laze the day away in a small corral. It's a beautiful setting.















Our first stop on the leisurely stroll around the estate was at the Washington Family Tomb. A number of family members are interred there, but George and Martha occupy the places of honor.

Just beyond the Tomb, a path leads to the Potomac River and the estate dock.

George Washington realized that fishing was a productive activity, so when the fishing season began, large numbers of slaves were detailed to do nothing but catch and store fish. Within a few days, enough fish could be caught to last the entire year.

The Potomac from a path leading from the mansion to the dock. The Washington's and their guests would stroll along here in the cool of the evening.

One of the famous Cherry orchards.

Horse paddocks:

And buildings devoted to everything needed to maintain a large working farm: cobblers, harness shops, seamstresses and metal working.

The Smokehouse served a very important function, allowing the preservation of food.

Notice the branches fixed to the walls and used as hooks.

The Main Entrance to the Mansion with the circular drive,

and the kitchen just to the south,

The kitchen was removed from the main house to reduce risk of fire and distanced the Washingtons and their many guest from the heat and smoke of the kitchen.  Sasha wanted very much to visit the kitchen!

A stately manse indeed. Think of the anticipation guests felt on approaching for one of the family many parties!

But, considering that it was the 18th century, not too far removed from the house was the "Necessary".

The formal garden outside the arboretum was maintained in a specific style, featuring Fluer-de-Lis in the french style.

This Tulip Poplar has been dated to 1785.

On the east side of the mansion, facing the Potomac, a wide piazza provides a cool place to side and contemplate how the family must have gathered to enjoy the view.

Sasha was particularly happy to find a cool place to snooze!

Photography is not permitted inside the mansion, but one photo of the dining room managed to escape. The style of the period demanded bright colors as a symbol of affluence, and this room is a great example.

"First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen!"

Born in 1732, George acquired Mount Vernon from his brothers widow in 1754 after serving with the British during the French & Indian War. After his well known service to the country during the Revolutionary War, he was sworn in as the first President of the United States in 1789. After serving two terms, he retired to Mount Vernon and devoted himself to what was then an 8,000 acre estate. He was not to enjoy his retirement for long, dying in December of 1799 from a severe throat infection.

Thank you for your service, President Washington.

We found a quiet meadow to have a picnic lunch in after our Mount Vernon tour. The weather was perfect.

 No room for the motorhome on the George Washington Memorial Parkway!