
First Continental Congress
In 1774, Washington served as a Virginia delegate to the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Before leaving the city to return to Mount Vernon, Washington went shopping for muskets and military apparel.
Mount Vernon is privately owned and will remain open in the case of a government shutdown.
From securing American independence to serving as first president, Washington played an indispensable role in the formation of the American democracy as we know it.
In 1774, Washington served as a Virginia delegate to the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Before leaving the city to return to Mount Vernon, Washington went shopping for muskets and military apparel.
Despite having little practical experience in managing large, conventional armies, Washington proved to be a capable and resilient leader of the American military forces during the Revolutionary War.
Following the American Revolution, Washington stunned the world by willingly surrendering power of the army back to the governmental body that first appointed him.
- Thomas Jefferson, April 1784
A meeting at Mount Vernon in 1785 helped set a precedent for discussions amongst the states which would culminate in the 1787 Constitutional Convention.
Learn about the many challenges facing the new nation and how our founding fathers, led by George Washington, created the United States Constitution.
An intriguing book in Mount Vernon's collection shows the intimate evidence of Washington actively learning the role of the presidency.
Washington’s iconic Farewell Address, published at the end of his second term, stands today as a timeless warning about the forces that threaten American democracy.
In honor of the 225th anniversary of his famed Farewell Address, an all-star panel discusses George Washington’s warnings to and hopes for future generations of Americans. Featuring CNN’s John Avlon, author Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky, and historian Dr. Joseph Ellis.