PRIMARY SOURCES |
George Washington to Martha Washington, June 23, 1775 George Washington wrote this letter to his wife, Martha before departing Philadelphia for the American camp in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The letter reveals the private side of Washington, a side rarely seen in his daily correspondence. After his death in 1799, Martha Washington destroyed all the letters written between herself and her husband. This letter is one of three that survive. |
George Washington’s Field Bedstead George Washington’s campaign furniture not only provided him the comforts of home while at war, but also attested to his rank in the Army. This hinged bedstead easily folds for portability. |
Journal of Major George Washington Written in 1754, this journal details the exploits of George Washington as a young 22 year old Major and his role in the beginning of the French and Indian War. |
Braddock Sash Washington family tradition maintains that this military sash was given to George Washington by General Edward Braddock after the ill-fated Battle of the Monongahela in July 1755. Washington was the only member of Braddock’s staff who was not injured or killed during the battle. |
George Washington to Benjamin Tallmadge, April 8, 1781 In 1781 George Washington wrote to Benjamin Tallmadge about the feasibility of launching a daring raid across the Long Island Sound. |
Plan Your Visit
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Washington, D.C. Metro Area

Plan Your Visit
Discover the Home of George and Martha Washington
Discover the Home of George and Martha Washington
Open 365 days a year, Mount Vernon is located just 15 miles south of Washington DC.
The Estate

The Estate
There's So Much to See
There's So Much to See
From the mansion to lush gardens and grounds, intriguing museum galleries, immersive programs, and the distillery and gristmill. Spend the day with us!
George Washington
Youth
French & Indian War
Revolutionary War
Constitution
First President
Martha Washington
Slavery
Native Americans
Religion
Family

George Washington
Farmer, Soldier, Statesman, and Husband
Farmer, Soldier, Statesman, and Husband
Discover what made Washington "first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen".
Preservation

Preservation
Did You Know?
Did You Know?
The Mount Vernon Ladies Association has been maintaining the Mount Vernon Estate since they acquired it from the Washington family in 1858.
Education

Teachers
Ace Your American History Class
Ace Your American History Class
Need help with homework? Our Digital Encyclopedia has all of the answers students and teachers need.
Washington Library

Washington Library
The Library of the First President
The Library of the First President
The Washington Library is open to all researchers and scholars, by appointment only.