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 primary and secondary sources, videos, or interactives? Explore our Education Pages!
The Washington Library is open to all researchers and scholars, by appointment only.
While excavating Washington’s cellar during the Mansion Revitalization Project, Mount Vernon’s archaeologists made a thrilling discovery.
As part of Mount Vernon’s three-year Mansion Revitalization Project, archaeologists working in the cellar of the Mansion unexpectedly discovered two intact European-manufactured bottles. The dark green glass bottles were found upright and sealed, each containing liquid.
The bottle shapes are characteristic of styles from the 1740s – 1750s and were recovered from a pit where they may have been forgotten and eventually buried beneath a floor laid in the 1770s.
Mount Vernon has embarked on a landmark preservation project to ensure the Mansion's structural integrity for generations to come.
Mount Vernon’s Archaeology team watches with anticipation as project archaeologist Nick Beard removes one bottle from the ground. (MVLA)
In 2023, Mount Vernon launched the Mansion Revitalization Project to ensure the long-term health of George Washington’s home. As is standard before any major construction at Mount Vernon, archaeological investigations have preceded all parts of the project that involve breaking ground.
“As we conduct a historic preservation effort at the iconic home of America’s first President and revolutionary hero, we have been deliberate and intentional about carefully excavating areas of potential disruption,” said Mount Vernon President & CEO Doug Bradburn. “Consequently, we have made a number of useful discoveries including this blockbuster find of two fully intact glass bottles containing liquid that have not been seen since before the war for American independence.
“As the bottles are shipped off for a complete scientific analysis, we want to share our findings and next steps for this historic archaeological and preservation initiative at Mount Vernon. This discovery comes at the beginning of an exciting and transformational project to strengthen and restore the home of the nation’s first president so that it will be stronger than ever when we celebrate America’s 250th birthday in 2026. This historic preservation project is our birthday gift to America,” Bradburn said.
Mount Vernon Principal Archaeologist Jason Boroughs said, “This incredible discovery at Mount Vernon is a significant archaeological find. Not only did we recover intact, sealed bottles, but they contained organic material that can provide us with valuable insight and perspective into 18th-century lives at Mount Vernon. These bottles have the potential to enrich the historic narrative, and we’re excited to have the contents analyzed so we can share this discovery with fellow researchers and the visiting public.”
Archaeology Lab Analyst Alice Keith empties the contents of one bottle into a plastic container for further analysis. (MVLA)
After the bottles were unearthed, each was carefully removed and transported to the Mount Vernon archaeology lab. Upon consultation with archaeological conservators, it was determined that removing the liquid contents would help stabilize the glass, which had not been directly exposed to the atmosphere for approximately two centuries.
Cherries, including stems and pits, were preserved within the liquid contents, which still bore the characteristic scent of cherry blossoms familiar to residents of the region during the spring season. The bottles will be sent for conservation and their contents will be shipped to a laboratory for scientific analysis and testing by specialists in a controlled environment.
Archaeology Lab Analyst Alice Keith carefully removes the solid contents of one bottle, which included cherry stems and pits. (MVLA)
Take an inside look at the excavation of two fascinating bottles in the cellar.
Among the few recipes known to have been used by the Washington family is this one for Cherry Bounce, a brandy-based cherry drink popular in the 18th century and known to have been enjoyed by George Washington.
As more is learned about this significant discovery, stay in the know by following Mount Vernon on social media and signing up for our preservation email newsletter.
