Historic Mount Vernon to Launch New Civil War Walking Tour on April 2

For Immediate Release
February 10, 2011

Media Contact:
Melissa Wood (703) 799-5203
mwood@mountvernon.org

Historic Mount Vernon to Launch New Civil War Walking Tour on April 2

Mount Vernon, VA – Historic Mount Vernon invites visitors to experience a unique side of Civil War history at George Washington’s home through a new walking tour, Mount Vernon in the Civil War, beginning April 2. Explore historic locations and listen to dramatic Civil War stories – from the life-risking efforts of the estate’s earliest caretakers to battlefield cannon fire rumbling the Mansion!  The Mount Vernon in the Civil War one-hour walking tour takes place on Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. through October 30. These special tours are limited in capacity and cost $5 in addition to Estate admission: $15 adults; $7 children (6-11); free for children 5 & under.  Please visit www.MountVernon.org for more information.

“Many people think of Mount Vernon as a site that was active exclusively during the 18th century,” said Melissa Wood, media relations manager for Historic Mount Vernon. “Through this new tour, our visitors will discover more about the fascinating, yet relatively unknown, events that occurred at George Washington’s home during the Civil War.”

The Mount Vernon in the Civil War tour also covers the changing role of African Americans on the estate, views on George Washington from the perspective of Union and Confederate supporters, and an interesting Washington-Robert E. Lee connection.

The Washington family sold George Washington’s home to the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, the country’s first historic preservation organization, in 1858.  Just weeks into the war, Union troops stormed nearby Alexandria and moved within four miles of Mount Vernon. At the same time Confederate forces were closing in from the south.  Records show that many soldiers, from the Confederacy and Union, visited the estate during this turbulent time in history. The estate was considered one of the few neutral locations during the war thanks to efforts of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association.

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Events, programs, and activities are subject to change.

Public Information:
703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD);
www.MountVernon.org