10 Little Known Facts About George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Home to America’s first president, take a day trip to George Washington’s Mount Vernon and explore the life and legacy of one of our founding fathers.
1. George Washington thought of himself first as a farmer and devoted his life to the improvement of American agriculture.
While visiting Mount Vernon, watch costumed interpreters demonstrate Washington's innovative farming and fishing practices at the four-acre Farm site and explore the four gardens Washington developed.
2. Did you know Washington died of a throat infection after riding through a wet and snowy wintry mix several days earlier?
Visit the final resting place of George and Martha and pay tribute at the Tomb of the Father of our Country in a daily wreath-laying ceremony.
3. Inside the Mansion, the study was where Washington spent most of his time.
Not only did George Washington attend to business and receive reports from overseers, he also bathed, dressed, and kept his clothes in the study. Reportedly, no one was allowed in this room without invitation; however, tour guests can take a peek inside this elusive room.
4. In 1929 the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Associated erected a memorial to enslaved people buried at the estate- the first of its kind in the nation.
In 2014, Mount Vernon began an ongoing archaeological survey of the Slave Cemetery on the estate and excavated numerous artifacts. Take a deeper dive on a speciality tour highlighting the stories of the enslaved people who built and operated Mount Vernon.
5. In 1772 alone, the estate’s fishing operations gathered 1.3 million herring and more than 11,000 shad.
On the perimeter of the estate you’ll find a wharf jetting out onto the Potomac River which provided Washington with one of his most profitable business enterprises. April-October, discover the river’s importance on a 45-minute photo cruise and hear stories of the people and animals who inhabited its shores.
6. George Washington operated what was once the largest whiskey distillery in America.
Built in 1798, the new distillery was 75 feet by 30 feet and by 1799 the distillery produced nearly 11,000 gallons of whiskey making it one of the largest of its kind. Visit a working reconstruction of Washington’s distillery on Saturdays and Sundays from April-October.
7. In 1798, The Washingtons had over 677 guests at the Mansion.
That’s a lot of visitors! After the Revolutionary War, at the height of Washington’s political notoriety, the house was filled with close friends, family members, political dignitaries, and neighbors. Today, Mount Vernon welcomes over one million guests a year and is the most popular historic estate in America. Plan a visit to view Washington’s Mansion, gardens, and many other original structures.
8. In the early 20th century, Henry Ford donated the Association's first fire engine, and Thomas Edison designed and installed the Mansion's first electrical system.
Prior to the electrical work, Mount Vernon was illuminated by kerosene lamps and candles which presented a serious fire hazard to the property. These are just two of the examples of the wide range of people who have generously donated to preserve Mount Vernon. By visiting this historic piece of American history, guests are continuing to support the preservation, restoration, and educational initiatives of the estate of George Washington.
9. Onsite you’ll find the Museum and Education Center which displays more than 500 objects in seven galleries.
Explore hundreds of artifacts from Washington's life and Mount Vernon’s enslaved community, view educational films, and interact with hands-on-history, all included with general admission.
10. One of George Washington’s favorite meals was hoecakes and honey — a flat cake made of cornmeal mush spread swimming in butter and honey.
While George and Martha hosted countless visitors they served a variety of culinary delights. Explore the many recipes of Mount Vernon here or stop by the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant during your visit to experience a piece of 18th-century hospitality for yourself.
*This blog post is sponsored by George Washington's Mount Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121 (703) 780-2000 Website
