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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.
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The Washington Library is open to all researchers and scholars, by appointment only.
In Peale’s 1772 portrait, George Washington wears a red officer’s sash—possibly this silk example, which descended in the family of Washington’s nephew.
Made using a technique called “sprang weaving,” silk sashes had enormous strength and could be used as stretchers to carry wounded officers off the battlefield.
The sash currently on display is a reproduction.
![Gift of John Pierpont Morgan, Jr., 1924 [W-87] (Photo: Thalia Romero)](http://mtv-main-assets.mountvernon.org/files/callout/text-image-block-special-exhbiit/image/mdp-20200212-tr-038.jpg)
Gift of John Pierpont Morgan, Jr., 1924 [W-87] (Photo: Thalia Romero)
Probably made in America, ca. 1799
Inspired by British tradition, Washington suggested that all commissioned officers wear a black cockade adorned with a silver bald eagle symbol of the new republic.
Gift of Elizabeth Slaymaker Kimball in memory of her aunt, Edith Peter, 1957 [W-2089] Conservation courtesy of the Life Guard Society of Historic Mount Vernon
Made in London, England, ca. 1767–1768
Washington is believed to have worn this sword when he resigned his commission as Commander in Chief in Annapolis in 1783 and when inaugurated as our nation's first president.
Gift of John Pierpont Morgan, Sr. 1909 [W-84] Conservation courtesy of the Life Guard Society of Historic Mount Vernon
Possibly made in America, ca. 1776
Gorgets were worn about the neck by on-duty officers during the Revolutionary War. According to legend George Washington presented this one to Lieutenant Alexander Hume.
Gift of Alexander Hume Ford and Mrs. Lewis Williams, 1926 [H-475]. Conservation courtesy of the Life Guard Society of Historic Mount Vernon
