
Famous Visitors
Thomas Edison is just one of many notables who have visited Mount Vernon since Washington's time.
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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.
One of the most perplexing issues regarding historic preservation is whether or not to install modern utility systems.
Such was the case when the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association assembled at Mount Vernon in 1916 to discuss a proposal by Thomas Edison's firm to "electrify" the Mansion for the first time.
The kerosene lamps and candles then in use presented a serious fire hazard. Edison offered to set up a system powered by generator-fed storage batteries, at a cost of $3,325, with a "guarantee of absolute safety".
Although Association members were skeptical, fearing a loss of authenticity, the concern for safety prevailed. Edison's system was approved and installed.
Protecting Mount Vernon from the threat of fire is essential to ensure that George Washington's legacy can be preserved and experienced by many generations to come.
Help Us Preserve Mount Vernon