Mount Vernon Blog

Building 18th-Century Doors

Monday, April 09, 2018

The double doors leading from Mount Vernon’s piazza to the Mansion’s central passage serve as the gatekeepers to George Washington’s beloved home, granting access to Mount Vernon’s visitors and keeping the interior safe from the elements. These overlooked architectural marvels have weathered 63 years of devastating storms and heavy usage. Mount Vernon…

Through My Eyes: Martha's Arrival

Wednesday, April 04, 2018

By Elizabeth Keaney, Character Interpreter Martha Dandridge Custis was a young woman of 26 when her first husband, Daniel Parke Custis, died from a fever. People often reference Martha as the “wealthiest young widow in all of Virginia," although she technically only received one third of the estate to support herself and the children. However, we should…

Spring Changes in the Mansion

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

The Collections staff recently made changes to some of the rooms in the Mansion to celebrate the arrival of spring. As we know, the Washingtons welcomed numerous guests to Mount Vernon. George Washington sheds light on this fact in a letter to his mother, Mary Ball Washington, where he likens his home to a “well resorted tavern.” The Washingtons and…

Season of Lambs

Saturday, March 24, 2018

The month of March has again brought adorable additions to the estate: baby sheep. The annual "lambing" began on February 27 when the first new additions were born. Twenty ewes were pregnant this year, and as of March 20, we have 23 lambs.  Mount Vernon raises Hog Island sheep, a rare breed that is native to Virginia and dates back to the 1600s. Learn…

Spring Snow at Mount Vernon

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Snowfall creates a picturesque landscape at Mount Vernon, and unique challenges. Although the estate closed during this snowfall due to inclement weather, many Mount Vernon staff members—including Vice President of Operations & Maintenance Joe Sliger and his team—still went to work to keep the estate, its staff, and future visitors safe. More than…

A Teacher's Perspective: George Washington and the Creation of the Professional American Army

Monday, March 12, 2018

by James Lautzenheiser Thirty-nine miles south of Crestview Local Schools (Convoy, Ohio), in the present-day town of Fort Recovery, Ohio, stands a physical reminder of one of the costliest days in the history of the United States Army. The rural agricultural town looks a lot like my community except for the large obelisk-shaped memorial across the…

The Patriotic Spirit of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association

Thursday, March 08, 2018

by Rebecca Baird, Archivist Throughout World War I, thousands of American women volunteered for patriotic service organizations that supported the military and the war effort. While the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association (MVLA) was not involved in this movement in an official capacity, the Regent and Vice Regents, as patriotic and civic-minded women…

Wind Tears Down George Washington's Tree

Wednesday, March 07, 2018

On March 2, a severe nor’easter brought strong winds to the Mid-Atlantic, relentlessly bombarding power lines and property throughout the region. The estate lost power for more than 36 hours and closed its doors the day of the storm. The wind storm struck down two historic trees on the estate, a circa 1791 Canadian hemlock and a 100-year-old Virginia…

Working in all Weather

Friday, February 23, 2018

by Mary V. Thompson Since the Christmas holidays, the weather here at Mount Vernon has been something of a roller coaster, with days and weeks in the low double digits and other days when the sun is shining and the temperature may reach 70 degrees. We’ve had some snow, but not enough for a real “snow day." Some of you might be wondering if the enslaved…

The Legacy of Wreath Making at Washington's Tomb

Monday, February 19, 2018

Every year on George Washington's birthday, Mount Vernon welcomes visitors to Washington's Tomb for a presidential tribute. This special ceremony includes reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, Washington's prayer for his country, and the placement of a boxwood wreath. Boxwood was a significant plant in the 18th century. Washington planted it in the upper…