Statement from the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association

On the evening of November 8, 2018, the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association welcomed United States Secretary of Defense James Mattis and China's Defense Minister Wei Fenghe. The Deputy Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the Army, Secretary of the Air Force, and other senior United States military officers and defense department officials also visited the historic estate of George Washington for a private tour and dinner.  Mount Vernon president Dr. Doug Bradburn greeted the guests upon arrival.

Entertainment was provided by United States Military Academy Glee Club and the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Team. Special items on view in the Mansion for this visit included Washington’s “State Sword”, Society of Cincinnati Plate, and Chinese export porcelain guglet.

This visit furthers Mount Vernon’s long-standing tradition of welcoming world leaders throughout the years. Most recently President Donald Trump hosted French President Emmanuel Macron for a tour of the estate.  Notable guests to Mount Vernon over the years include Their Majesties King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, Prime Minister Winston Churchill, French General Charles de Gaulle, and the Prince of Wales. 

Mount Vernon was the beloved home of George and Martha Washington from the time of their marriage in 1759 until George Washington's death in 1799. Washington worked tirelessly to expand his plantation from 2,000 acres to 8,000 and the mansion house from six to 21 rooms.  Located just 16 miles from the nation’s capital, Mount Vernon is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, America’s oldest national preservation organization, founded in 1853. 

###