George Washington's half-brother Lawrence Washington might have built the earlier Wash House.

It is not known when the first Wash House at Mount Vernon was constructed. It was probably built during Lawrence Washington's occupation between 1741 and 1752. We know that Lawrence, the elder half brother of George Washington made significant changes to the plantation during these years.

In 1753, after Lawrence Washington's death, an inventory of his possessions was recorded. This probate inventory listed within the Wash House:

2 Copper Basins                                                          0.03.0

1 Steel Mill                                                                  0.07.0

4 Cast Irons, 1 Box Iron & heaters

and two stands                                                            0.12.0

1 pr tongs                                                                    0.05.0

1 picture 5/, Weights & Scales 1/3                              0.06.3

1 Bed, Bowlster, Sheets, Red Rug, Bedstead

sacking bottom                                                           3.10.0

1 Bedstead, Matrass, 1 old bed, 1 pr

of two sheets, one Rug                                                3.00.0

Two Tables                                                                  0.10.0       

                                                                                    8.13.00

These items mainly suggest activities such as washing and ironing, as might be expected within such an outbuilding; however, the presence of two beds may indicate that the Wash House also served as a residence, perhaps for slaves. There are 37 slaves listed in the inventory.

Clothes Drying Inside Wash House

The building was torn down in 1775 and letters to George Washington from his cousin and manager Lund Washington identify the building being demolished as the Wash House. In fact, Lund mistakenly thought for several months during the construction that he was building a new wash house to replace the demolished earlier one.  The Servants' Hall was built on the site of this Wash House and a new Wash House was constructed upon the South Lane where it is still visible today.