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.
Chinese hand-painted blue and white porcelain in standard patterns, such as landscape and river scenes, offered Westerners a romanticized glimpse of the exotic East and were prized for their durability and artistry. This custard cup lid is part of an extensive dinner service which once belonged to Elizabeth…
Martha Washington and her daughter Martha "Patsy" Custis placed four orders for garnet hair ornaments between 1759 and 1772. This bow of flowers was likely among the items received. Hair pins were worn in the forward section of a lady's elaborately piled coiffure, where they sparkled dynamically in…
As president, George Washington desired tablewares that would strike a stylistic balance between appearing too regal and not being sufficiently dignified enough to impress foreign dignitaries. In March 1790, he purchased a 309-piece service from the departing French minister, the Comte de Moustier. Moustier…
In 1760 George Washington recorded the receipt of an invoice dated December 26th, detailing his latest purchases from London. Therein he listed "A pair 3 dropt Garnet Earings" bought from a jeweler named J. Grymes to grace the ears of his wife, Martha. Martha Washington was no stranger to garnet jewelry…
This fishing line was found in a small tackle box believed to have belonged to George Washington. Washington enjoyed fishing both as a gentleman's contemplative recreation and as a practical means of securing provisions while on the frontier. His diary records successful catches of a dolphin and shark…
Chinese hand-painted blue and white porcelain in standard patterns, such as landscape and river scenes, offered Westerners a romanticized glimpse of the exotic East and were prized for their durability and artistry. This cooler with liner and cover is part of an extensive dinner service which once belonged…
"Neat and plain" style chairs, in contrast to elaborately carved high-style chairs, formed the mainstay of many cabinetmakers' businesses in colonial Virginia, offering customers a more affordable, yet still fashionable, seating option. This example, which has no association with the Washington family…
As president, George Washington desired tablewares that would strike a stylistic balance between appearing too regal and not being sufficiently dignified enough to impress foreign dignitaries. In March 1790, he purchased a 309-piece service from the departing French minister, the Comte de Moustier. Moustier…
George Washington first ordered "A Fishing Case for the Pocket - properly furnished with Line &ca" from London in 1762, but as hooks were lost and lines broken in pursuit of a catch, he likely replaced its contents. Among the surviving fishhooks associated with Washington's tackle box are several stamped…
American demand for exotic Chinese imports increased with the onset of direct trading between China and the United States in 1784. While President, George Washington took advantage of the wide variety of Chinese luxury goods arriving in New York and Philadelphia. He purchased several lacquerware pieces…
George Washington first ordered "A Fishing Case for the Pocket - properly furnished with Line &ca" from London in 1762, but as hooks were lost and lines broken in pursuit of a catch, he likely replaced its contents. Among the surviving fishhooks associated with Washington's tackle box are several stamped…
During the Washingtons' lifetime, this pair of brackets likely graced the walls of the Front Parlor at Mount Vernon. Their gilded surfaces would have complemented the pair of girandoles (crystal table candelabra) they supported and aided in the illumination of the room on dark days and nights. The impressive…
George Washington first ordered "A Fishing Case for the Pocket - properly furnished with Line &ca" from London in 1762, but as hooks were lost and lines broken in pursuit of a catch, he would likely have replaced its contents many times over. Among the surviving fishhooks associated with Washington's…
During the Washingtons' lifetime, this pair of brackets likely graced the walls of the Front Parlor at Mount Vernon. Their gilded surfaces would have complemented the pair of girandoles (crystal table candelabra) they supported and aided in the illumination of the room on dark days and nights. The impressive…
George Washington first ordered "A Fishing Case for the Pocket - properly furnished with Line &ca" from London in 1762, but as hooks were lost and lines broken in pursuit of a catch, he likely replaced its contents. Among the surviving fishhooks associated with Washington's tackle box are several stamped…
