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.
Women played an active role in the British North American colonies during the 18th century. They had dreams, fears, personalities, and goals. They fought in wars, sought their own freedom, and actively participated in colonial life. Use this page to learn more about women's lives in the 18th century through content pages, infographics, or the activity sheets below.
George Washington's wife, Martha, married twice and had two surviving children - Patsy and Jacky. She later raised two of her grandchildren, Nelly and Washy. Click the link to learn more about the Washington family and the women who lived at Mount Vernon.
The Washington Women
Not all women were considered "free" at Mount Vernon - most were enslaved, laboring throughout the plantation's five farms. Click the link to learn more about the women in enslavement at Mount Vernon.
The Women Who Labored at Mount VernonExplore an infographic highlighting the lives of three women who lived at Mount Vernon - Eleanor "Nelly" Parke Custis, Eleanor Forbes, and Caroline Branham. Created by 2023 LifeGuard Teacher Fellows Kate Van Haren and Pam Stafford.
Are you a teacher looking for resources to teach about women's history in your class? Look no further! Click the link to explore Activity Suggestions, helpful videos, and more!
Teaching Women's History
