Past Issues of the Mount Vernon Magazine

Washington Takes Command

In the summer of 1775, George Washington felt woefully unready to take on the enemy. By Rick Atkinson

From the Heart

Love notes from the new commander of the Continental Army to his wife. By Samantha Snyder

The Wartime Kit 

The general's wardrobe and equipment choices. By Amanda Isaac

The French Connection

A long-hidden trove of Revolutionary War-era papers reaches the digital age

Hosted by the Washingtons

An endless stream of visitors called on the Washingtons at Mount Vernon

Invitation to Dine

Guests were often treated to a splendid table, prepared by enslaved workers. By Mary V. Thompson

Changing Room

Following years of investigations, the Mansion's Old Chamber has a new look. By Amanda Isaac

The Fruits of Labor

How archaeologists unearthed centuries-old bottles in the cellar. By Jason Boroughs

The Road to Revolution

What came before the "shot heard 'round the world"?

The Gathering Storm

Timeline: Lead-up to the Revolutionary War.

The Making of a Statesman

Washington's leadership abilities did not only come from his vaunted military expertise but also his years as a legislator. By David L. Preston

An Argument for Autonomy

Written at Mount Vernon, the Fairfax Resolves were a draft of a future nation's founding documents. By Samantha Snyder

Template for Transition

In his final act in office, a prescient George Washington set a precedent and laid the foundation for American democracy. By Lindsay M. Chervinsky

Voices for Democracy

Insights from the 2023 George Washington Symposium at Mount Vernon.

Danger Ahead?

Exclusive poll: While a majority of Americans support the nation's core principles, they fear that democracy is in jeopardy.

Vital Lessons

Reviving civic education is key to preserving American democracy. By Louise Dubé, Shawn Healy, and Julie Silverbrook

THE Science of Preservation

Much like crime scene investigators, Mount Vernon staffers use the building itself to probe into the past. By Caroline Spurry, London Hainsworth, Clay Fellows, Thomas A. Reinhart, and Riley Morris

The Prequel

Before its most famous occupant moved in, other family members called Mount Vernon home. By Thomas A. Reinhart

Future Proof

Inside the bold plan to preserve Washington's home for its next century. By Susan P. Schoelwer, Ph.D.

If These Walls Could Talk

A trove of correspondence reveals the MVLA's commitment to historical accuracy. By Pauline Metcalf

New Look for the Little Parlor

Update draws on new research and analysis.

The Making of a Presidential Library

The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon, more than 200 years in the making, celebrates its 10th anniversary. Plus: 10 facts about the Library. By Douglas Bradburn

Secrets from the Vault

Within the Library's special collections are a wealth of treasures, from Washington's copy of the Acts of Congress to his favorite botanical magazine. Curated by Dana Stefanelli

Recording History

Good thing the women who saved Mount Vernon had the foresight to document their story, too. By Rebecca Baird

A Woman in Charge

Taking care of business: Despite the constraints of the time, Martha Washington took charge as a widow and wielded enormous influence as a wife. By Bruce A. Ragsdale

Post Script

Though Martha destroyed her correspondence with George, her writings to and from others have been collected and compiled into a new publication. Plus: Eight things to know about Mrs. Washington. By Kathryn Gehred

Artist at Heart

A window into Mrs. Washington's creative side, as seen through her lifelong passion for needlework. By Amanda Isaac

In the Eyes of the World

In exhibiting a new model of leadership, George Washington sparked—and still enjoys—a worldwide fandom. Plus: Washington monuments around the globe. By Craig Bruce Smith

Travels with Harry Washington

Like his enslaver, he fought against oppression, but did so by joining—rather than opposing—the British. By Joseph J. Ellis

A Noble Room

The Marquis de Lafayette's bedroom returns to its former glory. By Amanda Isaac

Social Studies

Entertainment, sports, and leisure in Washington's world

A Sporting Spirit

Ballroom dancer, equestrian, general, president: There's a direct line between George Washington's athleticism to his leadership. By Philip G. Smucker

The Performance Artist

Washington lived a theatrical life, and well understood that the world is a stage. By Odai Johnson

Toy Stories

The secret lives of children's playthings unearthed at Mount Vernon. By Lily Carhart

Potomac Tea Party

For the Ladies of Mount Vernon in the early years, tea was always a good idea. By Rebecca Baird

THE Roman Character

Though Washington did not have a classical education, he nevertheless evoked comparisons to the best of the ancients. By Thomas E. Ricks

The Heart of the House

The multiyear restoration of the Mansion’s Central Passage edges closer to completion. By Adam T. Erby

Change at the Podium

For likely the first time in the United States, a woman gave a public lecture. George Washington was there. By Mary Sarah Bilder

THE SOURCE

The records are sparse on the foodways of the enslaved at Mount Vernon and Colonial Virginia. To fill in the blanks, take a journey to the Senegambia, by Michael W. Twitty

IN THE GARDEN

The seeds of many of today’s culinary trends were planted in George Washington’s garden, by Justin Cherry

KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

Hoecakes breakfasts, punctual dinners, post-prandial Madeiras, and other details about dining at Mount Vernon, by Jessie MacLeod

Faith of the Father

George Washington held a deep and quiet Christian Faith throughout his life.

Believe It, Or Not

The first president thought religious liberty and morality were vital to the strength of the republic.

Ancestor on the Ridge

Not far from Washington’s tomb is another sacred ground, the cemetery of Mount Vernon’s enslaved community.

First Impressions

The father of American architecture visits the father of the country at Mount Vernon. By Jean Baker

Hidden in Plain Sight

Archaeologists find signs of the other farms that were once part of Washington’ estate, with a little help from technology. By Jason Boroughs

Room with a View

The big reveal: the Washingtons’ “best bedchamber” returns to its former glory. By Amanda Isaac

The Influencer

How Elizabeth Powel's eight-page letter convinced a reluctant president to run for a second term. By Samantha Snyder

Face of the Nation

What do the presidential portraits of George Washington say about him, the artists who depicted him, and the country he helped to build? A story in pictures. By Susan P. Schoelwer

Four More Years? 

The secret plot to push Washington into a third term. By Jonathan Horn

When the Going Gets Tough

COVID-19 is just one of the many historical crises the Ladies of Mount Vernon have faced with grit and grace. By Rebecca Baird

A Philadelphia Story

In 1793, a yellow fever epidemic hit the city hard, and sent George Washington and the federal government packing. By Samantha Snyder

Presiding in a Crisis

How President Washington confronted crises and set the template for presidential leadership.  By John Avlon

Proud Mary

New research unveils a more nuanced portrait of George Washington's mother, and her fight for independence. By Martha Saxton

The Ladies and the Vote

Women's suffrage? The strong and independent members of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association were divided on the issue. By Rebecca Baird and Jessie MacLeod

A Stitch in Time

Out of the folds of the three known quilts Martha Washington's hand sewed, a historical tapestry emerges. By Amanda C. Isaac

Cartography of the Revolution

An extraordinary collection of rare 18th-century maps offers unprecedented insight into Washington's world. By Richard H. Brown

General Washington Takes the Stage

When the fledgling Continental Army's new commander arrives at headquarters outside Boston, the course of revolution shifts. By Rick Atkinson 

Into the Wild

Benedict Arnold braves the backwoods of Maine en route to Quebec and finds nature an enemy equal to the British. By Krysten Blackstone

Achieving the "Representation of Stone"

Modern science has pinpointed the rustication technique Washington used on his home, which our current restoration re-creates. By Thomas A. Reinhart and Caroline H. Spurry

Fashion Statements

Enlightenment ideals were translated into worldwide fashion trends through the work of watercolor artist Anna Maria Garthwaite. By Zara Anishanslin

Style Icon

George Washington chose his wardrobe strategically, making political statements with the cut, color, and fabric of his frock coats. By Amanda Isaac

Charlotte's Indian Chintz Gown

When Martha Washington's enslaved seamstress wore a gown once belonging to a white woman on the streets of Alexandria, her trend-setting ways made waves. By Jennifer Van Horn

Narrative Thread

Under the watchful eye of historic costumer Kathrin Breitt Brown, unbelievable research and skill go into every reproduction garment worn on the estate. By Kathryn Priebe

Native Songs

Evidence from art and archaeology sheds new light on the role music played in the lives of Mount Vernon's enslaved community. By Jason Boroughs

A pleasing parlor

The restored space showcases how the Washingtons' evolving tastes and social position were reflected in their home. By Adam Erby

Crafting the Harpsichord

How an artisan painstakingly re-created Nelly Custis's extraordinary instrument. By Kathryn Priebe

Performing at Mount Vernon & Beyond

From front parlors to farm fields, the 18th century was alive with music of many styles and from many sources. By David Hildebrand

Discovering a Landmark of Literature

How Washington read and understood Don Quixote, one of the most popular novels of his era. By Kevin J. Hayes

Library Anniversary

The Washington Library's fifth anniversary prompts reflections by staff, and ushers in a fresh era with new director Kevin Butterfield.

Uncovering Washington's Library 

You shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but you can learn much about its owner from the choice in binding. By Katherine Hoarn

Floating Once Again

Technology and craftmanship join forces to return front parlor wall panels to their former glory. By Steve Stuckey

Maximizing Value and Efficiency

A series of savvy decisions kept Washington on the forefront of American industry. By Steve Bashore

"Arrange My Accounts & Settle My Books"

Digitization has revealed the precision of 18th-century bookkeeping. By John J. McCusker

Enterprising Women

How the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association continued a tradition of innovation

Now It's Your Turn to Lead

From concept to debut, creating our interactive Be Washington experience was an exercise in innovation. By Rob Shenk

An Architectural Puzzle

Piecing together new doors connecting the piazza and central passage required both skill and study. By Kathryn Priebe with Thomas Reinhart

Sincerest Form of Flattery

Often imitated and sometimes fully duplicated, Mount Vernon has inspired American architecture for more than a century. By Lydia Brandt

Stepping into Life Together

Research reveals a detailed account of Lady Washington's fashionable wedding ensemble. By Kimberly S. Alexander

Biography of a Bedroom

Our Blue Room restoration uncovered the now-elegant space's humble beginnings and hidden history. By Caroline H. Spurry

Rhapsody in Blue

Exceptional care was taken in selecting the pieces used to furnish our reimagined Blue Room. By Amanda Isaac

The President of the United States and Mrs. Washington, Request the Pleasure of Your Company to Dine

From stilted dinner parties to convivial receptions the first "first couple" set the precedent for presidential hospitality. By David and Jeanne Heidler

Being George Washington

Dean Malissa, Mount Vernon's official Washington presenter, brings the General to life

In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union

Talented teachers make the Constitution relevant to today's students

Washington's Constitution: George Washington & the Making of the Constitution

Beyond presiding over the convention, Washington played a pivotal part in forging and framing the document. By Ed Larson

A Culture of Memory

From advertisements to personal items, Washington's likeness lives on in Mount Vernon's ephemera collection

Martha Washington: Wealthy Widow, Intrepid Wartime Wife

Mrs. Washington played more roles in her lifetime than most 18th-century women-and all of them well. By Flora Frasier

Mount Vernon wakes up

The daily work to keep the estate running smoothly begins long before the first guests arrive at the gate.

George Washington's Brush with Immortality

The decades-long clamor to collect hair relics from the Revolution's "sainted hero." By Robert McCracken Peck

New Exhibit Opens

Special events celebrate the launch of our ambitious new exhibit exploring the role of slavery at Mount Vernon

Democracy on Parade

Retracting Washington's 1791 southern tour-the final stage of his quest to visit all corners of the new nations. By Warren L. Bingham

Bound for freedom

Extensive research charts Washington's journey from young slave-owner to voluntary emancipator. By Mary V. Thompson

Washington's Sacred Union

Although a reluctant president, Washington's philosophical precedents continue to suffuse the office. By Susan Dunn

The Dividing Line

Nathaniel Philbrick explores the parallel experiences of George Washington and Benedict Arnold. 

Elegantly Prepared

New research has yielded a restored Chintz Room full of vivid details-and vivid stories. By Amanda Isaac and Thomas Reinhart

Conspiring Patriots

George Washington deftly stops a potential coup by a band of mutinous officers. By James Kirby Martin

Cutting-Edge Fashion

A new book and exhibit unmask the secret-and stylish-history of George Washington's swords. By Susan P. Schoelwer

Finding Common Threads

Rick Atkinson draws parallels between the era of his acclaimed WWII trilogy and his new subjects in the Revolutionary generation

Early American Graffiti

Cupola renovations reveal a singular "guestbook" hidden for more than a century. By Thomas A. Reinhart

From Enemies to Allies

How the French foes of Washington's youth came, four decades later, to sing his praises. By Robert Middlekauff

The Second Revolution

Joseph Ellis contemplates Washington's pivotal role in America's second founding, the Constitutional Convention.

Vertical Archaeology

New technology uncovers the original patterns that graced Mount Vernon's walls. By Amanda Isaac

Patriots & Partners

Ron Chernow explores the relationship between Washington and the forgotten Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton.

Divided They Stood

How conflict between Washington and Jefferson nearly tore the new nation apart. By Thomas Fleming