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.
Health was a large concern in the eighteenth century because many people died from illness and injuries. Since George and Martha both lost family members growing up, they took certain precautions to ensure the safety of their grandchildren and others under their care. Many of the enslaved were also wary of disease and injury, and took steps to protect themselves and their community.
George Washington took disease very seriously throughout his life. He often did everything in his power to try and save others from illness - but sometimes, wasn't successful.
Dr. James Craik was a Scottish doctor from Edinburgh that met George Washington during the Revolutionary War. He soon became the Washingtons' favorite doctor, and was in the room when George Washington died.
Smallpox was a dangerous disease in the eighteenth century. Many of Washington's soldiers received inoculations during the war - a dangerous, yet effective treatment. Washington described this in a letter to David Grier in March 1777.
Cancer was a concern for the Washington family, but it was difficult to treat and understand the disease. Click the link to learn more about doctors, treatments, and the cost of care.
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