Historic Structures

Original structures are buildings, structures, and landscape features that were constructed during the lifetime of George Washington or his heirs and still stand on their original site. There are 20 original structures preserved at Mount Vernon including walls and fences. Although every original structure has received some level of conservation or restoration, these structures have survived essentially intact and offer visitors a tangible artifact of the father of our country.

Replicas are buildings, structures, or landscape features that were lost, but that have been rebuilt somewhere other than their original locations. Like reconstructions, replicas are the product of comprehensive documentary research and physical investigation and recreate the plan, form, and appearance of a resource using authentic materials and techniques for all feasible visible detail.

Whenever possible, replicas should be based on archaeological evidence, as well as archival research and study of surviving comparable structures. There are five replica buildings at Mount Vernon.

The same standard of care is used with Original Structures, Reconstructions, and Replicas. We utilize authentic materials and techniques for any portions of the buildings that are visible. For those areas not visible, we utilize conservation techniques and materials as necessary in order to preserve as much of the fabric as possible.

For historically-significant support structures, we adhere to the Secretary of the Interior standards. If a building is more than 50 years old, we conduct repairs and replacements consistent with the original building materials and methods of craftsmanship. We replace degraded materials in-kind unless research demonstrates evidence of a different original material.