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.
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The Washington Library is open to all researchers and scholars, by appointment only.
Surviving account books, such as this original manuscript of Colonel Washington's sundry accounts 1760-1765, provide a wealth of insight into the daily operations of the Mount Vernon Estate. Colonel Washington's sundry accounts include weekly reports of work done by carpenters as well as inventories…
This imposing desk and ledger-case may have served as the center of operations in the office of plantation manager or merchant. Its interior is arranged as a compact and efficient workspace with pigeonholes and drawers for filing and storage, a fold-out writing surface, and vertical partitions in the…
The Washingtons kept a large quantity of china and cutlery on hand at Mount Vernon to accommodate the dining needs of the constant stream of guests to the estate. The inventory taken after Washington's death listed eight "knife cases" used to store utensils. This example holds forty six pieces of cutlery…
As her eyesight weakened, Martha Washington utilized two pairs of spectacles on a daily basis, a weaker pair for supervising domestic routines and a stronger pair for reading and sewing. Tortoiseshell frames, imported from England, were increasingly popular after 1800. Mrs. Washington may have relied…
George Washington's own experience with dental disease prompted him to encourage his grandchildren, Nelly and Washy Custis, to maintain good oral health. He regularly purchased tooth brushes, tooth powder, and mouthwash for his young charges. In addition, Washington may have procured sets of dental instruments…
Despite their advanced age, George and Martha Washington experienced a renewed family life at Mount Vernon after they adopted their two youngest grandchildren: Eleanor "Nelly" Parke Custis and George "Washy" Washington Parke Custis, in 1781. The change may have necessitated the purchase of new furniture…
The Mount Vernon Ladies Association acquired this colonial revival cabinet to exhibit relics in the mansion at the turn of the twentieth century. Its form resembles that of library bookcases and desks-and-bookcases of the late eighteenth century, but features such as its towering size, glass-enclosed…
Eighteenth-century households used breakfast tables for a variety of activities, from serving breakfast, tea and other light repasts to sewing, reading, and writing. Their small and compact design made them convenient and easy to store. Family tradition maintains that this breakfast table was presented…
Workbaskets were essential sewing tools for an industrious mistress like Martha Washington. This twined oval work basket may be the "basket for Mrs. W." purchased by George Washington in 1795. Mount Vernon visitor accounts often commented on Mrs. Washington's enterprising nature; one noted that she…
