Charles de Gaulle

Friday, July 07, 1944

General Charles de Gaulle visited the United States for several days in July 1944, spending time in Washington, D.C., and New York City.

Americans in both cities warmly welcomed him. While the focus of his trip was a meeting with President Franklin Roosevelt, and to strengthen agreements between the U.S. and France, the General also made several ceremonial stops at historic or patriotic sites, including Mount Vernon.

Charles de Gaulle pays his respects at Washington's tomb. (MVLA)

His visit was very brief, but he managed to lay a wreath at the Tomb, tour most of the grounds, pose for press photographs, and sign the Mount Vernon guestbook. This diplomatic trip to the U.S. occurred in the middle of an eventful summer, between the D-Day invasions in June and the Liberation of Paris in August.

Charles de Gaulle and party on the east lawn near the Mansion at Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon's Resident Superintendent Charles C. Wall stands at far left and Charles de Gaulle stands second from right next to Henri Hoppenot at far right. (MVLA)Mount Vernon's Resident Superintendent Charles C. Wall and Charles de Gaulle exit through the gate to the lower garden at Mount Vernon. (MVLA)

Charles de Gaulle, Henri Hoppenot, and Charles C. Wall (Resident Superintendent at Mount Vernon) stand on the steps of the west front of the Mansion. (MVLA)

Mount Vernon During World War II

World War II had a significant impact on the Mount Vernon estate, much like it did the rest of the nation.

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