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Washington’s Farewell Address, 1796 Published in a Philadelphia newspaper on September 19, 1796, Washington used his Farewell Address to outline his advice to the new nation as he prepared to leave the presidency after two terms. |
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Houdon Bust Considered the most accurate likeness of George Washington, this bust was created in 1785 by the French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon. Houdon spent two weeks at Mount Vernon studying Washington. Since its creation, the bust has never left Mount Vernon. |
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George Washington to Edward Carrington, May 1, 1796 This letter to Virginia statesman Edward Carrington, dated May 1, 1796 provides a glimpse into Washington’s mindset regarding the Jay Treaty. |
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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. |
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 and Students
For Your American History Class
For Your American History Class
Need primary and secondary sources, videos, or interactives? Explore our Education Pages!
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.
