Open 365 days a year, Mount Vernon is located just 15 miles south of Washington DC.
From the mansion to lush gardens and grounds, intriguing museum galleries, immersive programs, and the distillery and gristmill. Spend the day with us!
Discover what made Washington "first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen".
The Mount Vernon Ladies Association has been maintaining the Mount Vernon Estate since they acquired it from the Washington family in 1858.
Need primary and secondary sources, videos, or interactives? Explore our Education Pages!
The Washington Library is open to all researchers and scholars, by appointment only.
Gift-giving was an established part of 18th-century diplomacy. Both European states and American Indian nations expected that the new nation would continue awarding medals to retiring foreign ministers and prominent leaders. George Washington’s administration faced the challenge of adapting monarchical practices to republican ideals.
Diplomatic Medal of the United States, trial impression, Lead Die engraved by Augustin Dupré, Paris 1791-1792 ANS 1935.126.23
As part of the 18th-century competition for Native American lands, trade, and military alliances, European powers presented Indian leaders with silver medals – the larger the medal, the more important the leader was thought to be. George Washington’s administration continued this practice but tried (unsuccessfully) to introduce new imagery celebrating the virtues of civilization.
Medium size Washington Peace Medal, Silver Possibly made in New York City 1760-1801 ANS 1916.999.197, Acquired from John F. Noegel
During the Revolution, Congress ordered gold and silver medals to honor ten commanders of six notable victories. The designs included portrait busts, allegorical figures, and battle scenes.
George Washington Before Boston, 1776, Bronze Die engraved by Pierre-Simon-Benjamin Duvivier, Paris 1789 ANS 1940.100.366, Acquired from Mr. R.J. Eidlitz
