Restoring Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is one of the best documented and most complete examples of an estate from early America, but discovering, analyzing…
The Architecture Team, consisting of historians, conservators, preservation specialists, and carpenters, leads the investigation and restoration of the estate’s physical fabric including the historic buildings and structures across the estate.
The team analyzes documentary and physical evidence in tandem. The goal is to represent the architectural landscape at George Washington's estate consistent with its 1799 appearance, conserving and protecting existing 18th-century architectural elements, and creating a thorough archival record for future generations. As each project progresses, theories and documentation are continually revised to reflect the ongoing synthesis of evidence.
For Mount Vernon's preservation staff to restore the west front of the Mansion scaffolding was erected. During the project, up to 28 layers of paint and sand were removed and all of the architectural elements were accessed and conserved. Once repairs were completed, the siding was repainted and sanded.
All of the rooms in the Mansion have been painted over and over since Washington's life. So, how do we know what color to paint each room?
One of the most recognizable features at Mount Vernon is the iconic red roof of the Mansion, but the shingles were not always red.
In 1754, George Washington began residing at Mount Vernon, a 3,000 acre estate and a house that likely approximated 3,500 square feet. By his death, Washington’s Mount Vernon consisted of about 7,600 acres and an almost 11,000 square foot mansion.
There are four different types of standing historic structures under the care of Mount Vernon's Architectural Preservation staff. Each helps tell the story of life at Mount Vernon.
Since the start of the Front Parlor restoration project, visitors have asked a variety of questions about the project and the history of the room.
Enslaved individuals used their skills to construct and repair many of Mount Vernon’s buildings, including the Mansion itself.
See how Mount Vernon is leading the way in utilizing new technology to preserve George Washington's home.
A handful of Mount Vernon's architectural features helped the Washington family stay cool on the hottest summer days.