Preserving Washington's View

Home Preservation Preserving the View
Viewshed
A History of Preservation Timeline Easements Campaign Update
Collections Archaeology Architecture Mount Vernon Ladies' Association Restoration Projects Maps Blog

Since the 1950s, the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association has worked to preserve George Washington's beloved Potomac River view.

Update: Charles County Compressor Station

The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association has released the following statement on Dominion Energy's October 15, 2018 announcement to not build a natural gas compressor plant on the Charles county site.  The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association had stated its opposition to this potential development that would have marred the historic Potomac viewshed that they have long sought to preserve.

Read the Statement

 

"Dominion will not build compressor station in Bryans Road" - Maryland Independent

A Long History of Preservation

A Long History of Preservation

In the early 1950s, the view from Mount Vernon became threatened by a plan to build an oil tank farm directly across the Potomac River from Mount Vernon. Vice Regent Frances Payne Bolton ensured this did not happen.

Find Out How

Viewshed Facts

MVLA Founded: 1858
Acres Preserved: 5,000 acres
Supported by: 415 Maryland Property owners through scenic easements

Preservation

Mount Vernon Ladies' Association

Mount Vernon Ladies' Association

Learn more about the first national historic preservation organization who have worked to preserve Washington's home for over 150 years.

Learn More

Mount Vernon's View

This view inspired George Washington and continues to inspire tens of millions of guests.

George Washington's Mount Vernon on the Potomac River.

George Washington's Mount Vernon on the Potomac River.
Guests enjoying the view across the Potomac River.

Guests enjoying the view across the Potomac River.
Dr. Doug Bradburn at the Save the View media event

Dr. Doug Bradburn at the Save the View media event
MVLA Regent Sarah Coulson - Save the View event

MVLA Regent Sarah Coulson - Save the View event
A group of visitors taking pictures of the view from the piazza.

A group of visitors taking pictures of the view from the piazza.
Vice Regent Francis Payne Bolton

Vice Regent Francis Payne Bolton
The Dove of Peace weathervane atop Mount Vernon's cupola.

The Dove of Peace weathervane atop Mount Vernon's cupola.
Guests looking at George Washington's beloved view.

Guests looking at George Washington's beloved view.
Signing the Petition - Save the View

Signing the Petition - Save the View
Visitor pointing out the view.

Visitor pointing out the view.
Mount Vernon's Wharf on the Potomac River.

Mount Vernon's Wharf on the Potomac River.

"No estate in United America is more pleasantly situated than this…on one of the finest Rivers in the world."

George Washington, 1793

Buy Tickets

Quick Links

What to See Calendar Shop Restaurant Donate Membership
Plan Your Visit
Admission Hours & Directions What to See Tours & Activities Where to Eat Tips for Your Visit Accessibility Group Reservations
The Estate
The Mansion Gardens & Landscapes The Tombs Pioneer Farm Distillery & Gristmill Historic Trades Museum Virtual Tour
George Washington
Biography Facts Martha Washington Family Religion French & Indian War The Revolutionary War Building the Constitution The First President Slavery
Preservation
Collections Archaeology Architecture Mount Vernon Ladies' Association Restoration Projects Preserving the View Maps Blog
Education
For Teachers For Students Lesson Plans Educational Events Virtual Tour Video Primary Sources Digital Encyclopedia
Washington Library
About the Library Research Special Collections & Archives The Papers of George Washington Library Events & Programs Leadership Institute Fellowships Center for Digital History
Estate Hours

Open today from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

iconDirections & Parking
buy tickets online & save