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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.
Modern visitors to the estate can see many of the same animals kept by George Washington in the 18th century.
Visit with all the animals living at Mount Vernon, including breeds raised on the estate in George Washington’s time.
Ossabaw Island Hogs, Hog Island Sheep, Dominique Chickens, and Red Devon Cattle can be found around the Farm, in the Paddock area, and elsewhere.
Mount Vernon is also home to horses, mules, and oxen.
For the safety of our heritage breeds, disturbing or feeding animals is not permitted.
Sheep were very important, providing wool for clothing, manure for fertilization, and more. Today, Mount Vernon raises Hog Island sheep, a rare breed that's native to Virginia and dates back to the 1600s.
Today, the term "Ruby Red" may be used to describe a juicy grapefruit or a rich port. But in the 18th century, a Ruby Red was a very important and versatile member of the plantation community.
Hogs were very popular in the 18th century as a valuable source of food. Ham, salted pork, bacon, lard, scrapple, and chitterlings were all very common. Today, Mount Vernon raises Ossabaw Island hogs.
The Washingtons raised a variety of domesticated fowl, including chickens and turkeys, to supply their table with both meat and eggs.
As an avid horseman, Washington maintained a stable of fine, well-kept horses. They provided transportation, pulled carriages, worked in the fields and wheat treading barn, and were even used for recreation.
In 1787, George Washington himself paid 18 shillings to bring a camel to Mount Vernon to entertain his guests. Since 2008, Mount Vernon has welcomed Aladdin the Camel each Christmas season for just the same reason.
Enjoy breakfast with our livestock team, including the sheep, oxen, pigs, and other rare heritage breed…
Watch the VideoWatch our cute, exciting, amazing animals action!
