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Join us in celebrating the 250th birthday of the historic moment George Washington took command of the U.S. Army. 

Experience an unforgettable event featuring live patriotic music, a boat parade along the Potomac River, and a presentation with Washington’s horses.

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Offered

Cost

Included with admission
Adults (Ages 12+): $28
Youth (Ages 6-11): $15
Children (Ages 0-5): Free

Free for Mount Vernon members

Located At

Mount Vernon is located in Northern Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. and Maryland

Celebrate with Mount Vernon

Boat Parade on the Potomac River

Witness a celebratory boat parade by sailors from local marinas making a patriotic trip along the scenic Potomac River at 12:15 p.m. on the scenic east lawn.

Live Musical Performances

Enjoy a spirited brass quintet concert at 1 p.m. on the bowling green.

Join our resident fifer for a musical demonstration and discussion of fife and drum music, and its importance to the Continental Army at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on the bowling green.

The Continental Army in Action

Join “General Washington” and “Baron von Steuben” on the 12-acre field to see a Continental Army Military Training demonstration at 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.

George Washington's Horses

Children will have the opportunity to care for the First Virginia Regiment's horses in our Water Washington's Horses program at 12:45 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the stables.

Help get George Washington’s horses ready to ride during the Saddle Up program at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the stables. Join the First Virginia Regiment to gather and organize the supplies needed for Washington’s upcoming journey in this hands-on activity.

Conduct a time-sensitive reconnaissance mission to find enemy soldiers and report back to save the revolution in the Scout for George Washington program! Join the scouts at the stables at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

18th-Century Astrology

Step into the mystical world of astrology with Dr. Nobles at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the bowling green.

How Well Do You Know Washington's Army?

Test your knowledge on the connections between the Continental Army and the Army today at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. on the 12-acre field.

Military Encampment

All day, you can explore an 18th-century military encampment  on the 12-acre field where you'll meet soldiers and learn what it was like to travel as a member of the Continental Army.

Concessions

Throughout the day, concessions will be available from the Mount Vernon Inn food truck, Executive Orders.

Also, enjoy fresh-baked bread and watch the 18th-century baking process with Resident Baker Justin Cherry of Half Crown Bakehouse.

Learn More

Activities Schedule

9:30 a.m.Saddle Up Stables
10 a.m.Scout for George WashingtonStables
10 a.m.18th-Century Astrology with Dr. NoblesBowling Green
10:30 a.m.Music of the RevolutionBowling Green
11 a.m.Join the RegimentBowling Green
11:30 a.m.Continental Army Military Training with “General Washington” & “Baron von Steuben”12-Acre Field
12 p.m.How Well Do You Know Washington's Army?12-Acre Field
12:15 p.m.Boat Parade on the Potomac RiverEast Lawn
12:30 p.m.Artillery Demonstration12-Acre Field
12:45 p.m.Water Washington's HorsesStables
1 p.m.Patriotic ConcertBowling Green
1 p.m.Saddle UpStables
1:30 p.m.Scout for George WashingtonStables
2 p.m.Continental Army Military Drill with “General Washington” & “Baron von Steuben”12-Acre Field
2 p.m.18th-Century Astrology with Dr. NoblesBowling Green
2:30 p.m.Music of the RevolutionBowling Green
3 p.m.Join the RegimentBowling Green
3:30 p.m.Continental Army Military Drill with “General Washington” & “Baron von Steuben” 12-Acre Field
4 p.m.How Well Do You Know Washington's Army?12-Acre Field
4:30 p.m.Water Washington's HorsesStables

The American Revolution: Ken Burns Film Preview & Conversation

Join us in the evening to watch a preview of the new six-part documentary series coming to PBS from film directors and producers Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, which explores the country’s founding struggle and its eight-year War for Independence. 

A Q&A panel discussion and complimentary reception will follow. 

Learn More

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