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 help with homework? Our Digital Encyclopedia has all of the answers students and teachers need.
The Washington Library is open to all researchers and scholars, by appointment only.
When the colonies were settled, they consisted of a diverse religious population, ranging from the Puritans in New England to Anglicans in Virginia.
Washington was a member of the Church of England, the state-sponsored religion in the British Empire. He served on the vestry, or council, of his church and helped finance it. Discover more about Washington's religion below!
The enslaved brought many religions with them to the colonies, practicing Islam, Vodoun, Christianity, and other faiths. Click here to learn more about religion and enslaved life.
Catholicism was intensely persecuted by the Protestants, and the Protestants heavily mistreated the Catholics: this was true both in Europe and the colonies. However, Washington had a friendly relationship with the Catholic Church.
When Washington first enlisted in the British Army, he was forced to repeat this anti-Catholicism oath:
“I…do declare that there is no Transubstantiation in the sacrament of the Lords supper or in the Elements of Bread and wine at or after the consecration thereof by any person whatsoever.”
By doing so, Washington denied the essential beliefs of the Catholic Faith.
Why do you think Washington was forced to do such a thing?
Many people in the colonies who wanted religious freedom did not like religious difference. They wanted everyone to follow their specific religion, and would often incorporate religion into their governments.
This was true in George Washington's Virginia, as well as New England. Why do you think this is? How do you think people reacted to these laws - especially those who wanted to practice something else?
Click the link to go back to Religious Freedom Classroom Resources
Learn how George Washington successfully established religious freedom in America with this 15 minute film!
