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.
This page provides resources accompanying the Be Washington: The Genet Affair scenario. It contains primary and secondary sources on the Genet Affair, as well as helpful teaching materials. Use these resources to aid the Be Washington gameplay, learn more about Washington's presidency, and find useful learning materials!
The Genet Affair put the neutrality of the United States in jeopardy. American citizens were serving on French privateer ships that attacked the British. Washington was stuck - would he support the French allies, or stay firm in neutrality?
On April 8, the French Ambassador Citizen Genet landed in South Carolina and started convincing American citizens to aid French ships. He believed this was acceptable under the Treaty of Alliance signed between the United States and France.
Shortly after learning of Genet's actions, Washington issued another statement of neutrality. He warned American citizens that America would not protect them if they choose to fight in a foreign war.
Click the link to explore the Battle of Second Trenton scene, as well as the other three Be Washington options.
Washington received this key from the Marquis de Lafayette at the beginning of the French Revolution. The Bastille was a symbol of royal power, and by overtaking it, France was challenging its monarchy.
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