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 primary and secondary sources, videos, or interactives? Explore our Education Pages!
The Washington Library is open to all researchers and scholars, by appointment only.
This complete copper alloy straight pin was manufactured by hand, as the wound wire head indicates. In the eighteenth century pins were coated with tin alloy that would have made them shinier in appearance. Individuals in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries used straight pins for many purposes. In…
This complete copper alloy straight pin was manufactured by hand, as the wound wire head indicates. In the eighteenth century pins were coated with tin alloy that would have made them shinier in appearance. Individuals in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries used straight pins for many purposes. In…
This complete copper alloy straight pin was manufactured by hand, as the wound wire head indicates. In the eighteenth century pins were coated with tin alloy that would have made them shinier in appearance. Individuals in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries used straight pins for many purposes. In…
This complete copper alloy straight pin was manufactured by hand, as the wound wire head indicates. In the eighteenth century pins were coated with tin alloy, which is apparent on this example. Individuals in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries used straight pins for many purposes. In addition to…
Latin name: Lagenaria siceraria. Bottle Gourds are native to Africa and can be eaten as well as used in a variety of ways including as storage containers. (McKnight, Justine W, 2015. "A Study of Macro-botanical Remains Recovered from the House for Families at George Washington?s Mount Vernon 44FX762/40…
Black Locust wood. Latin name: Robinia pseudoacacia. Black locust wood is very strong and durable in the soil which made it a favorite for fences. It was also used in folk remedies. (McKinght, Justine W. 2015. "A Study of Macro-botanical Remains Recovered from the House for Families at George Washington?s…
Hickory wood. Latin name: Carya sp. A variety of Hickory species are native to the Atlantic region. Hickory wood is very strong and resilient and was used to manufacture tools and containers, in addition to being used to treat fevers and arthritis. (McKnight, Justine W. 2015. "A Study of Macro-botanical…
Hickory wood. Latin name: Carya sp. A variety of Hickory species are native to the Atlantic region. Hickory wood is very strong and resilient and was used to manufacture tools and containers, in addition to being used to treat fevers and arthritis. (McKnight, Justine W. 2015. "A Study of Macro-botanical…
White Oak wood. Latin name: Quercus sp. Oaks are the most abundant wood type in the House For Families. Oaks were a dominant component of native forests in Eastern North America. Oak wood was used for construction and the manufacture of tools and containers, including barrels, as well as for a variety…
Pine wood. Latin name: Pinus sp. Pine did not used to be a major component in native forests. Pine was used in the treatment of various illnesses. (McKnight, Justine W. 2015 "A Study of Macro-botanical Remains Recovered from the House for Families at George Washington?s Mount Vernon 44FX762/40 and…
One complete burnt corn kernel. Latin name: Zea mays. Maize is native to the Americas and was the most-provisioned starchy staple for all the individuals on the Mount Vernon estate. (McKnight, Justine W. 2015 "A Study of Macro-botanical Remains Recovered from the House for Families at George Washington?s…
Two burnt corn cob fragments. Latin name: Zea mays. Maize is native to the Americas and was the most-provisioned starchy staple for all the individuals on the Mount Vernon estate. (McKnight, Justine W. 2015 "A Study of Macro-botanical Remains Recovered from the House for Families at George Washington?s…
9 complete burnt wheat seeds. Latin name: Triticum aestivum. Wheat was brought to America with the English colonists. It was extensively grown at Mount Vernon especially after the 1760 when Wheat and other cereal grains became Washington's primary cash crop. (McKnight, Justine W. 2015. "A Study of Macro-botanical…
3 burnt pea fragments. Latin name: Pisum sativum. Peas are one of the oldest domesticated plants and were brought to the New World by the European colonists. Peas were a dietary staple in the Chesapeake region. (McKnight, Justine W. 2015. "A Study of Macro-botanical Remains Recovered from the House for…
5 complete cherry pits. Latin name: Prunus sp. There are many species of wild cherries that are native to Virginia, however English varieties were grown and eaten in Virginia as well. Wild cherries were used for medicinal purposes. (McKnight, Justine W. 2015. "A Study of Macro-botanical Remains Recovered…
One complete burnt peach pit. Latin name: Prunus persica. Peach trees were one of the most desirable fruit trees in the 18th century and Washington grew at least three varieties at Mount Vernon. Peaches were grown at Mount Vernon to produce brandy. (McKnight, Justine W. 2015. "A Study of Macro-botanical…
Burnt bottle gourd fragments. Latin name: Lagenaria siceraria. Bottle Gourds are native to Africa and can be eaten as well as used in a variety of ways including as storage containers. (McKnight, Justine W, 2015. "A Study of Macro-botanical Remains Recovered from the House for Families at George Washington?s…
One burnt acorn cap fragment. Latin name: Quercus sp. Oaks are the most abundant wood type in the House For Families. Oaks were a dominant component of native forests in Eastern North America. Oak wood was used for construction and the manufacture of tools and containers, including barrels, as well…
Burnt cherry pit fragment. Latin name: Prunus sp. There are many species of wild cherries that are native to Virginia, however English varieties were grown and eaten in Virginia as well. Wild cherries were used for medicinal purposes. (McKnight, Justine W. 2015. "A Study of Macro-botanical Remains Recovered…
10 complete and 15 fragments of burnt persimmon seeds. 2 seeds were destroyed during identification. original total count is 27. Latin name: Diospyros virginiana. Persimmon seeds were the most common type of seed found in the House for Families. They were also present in the South Grove Midden which…
