Our new checkout experience is now live! Buy your tickets here.

Campaign Update

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

Dominion Energy and George Washington’s Mount Vernon are now working together to find an alternate location for Dominion’s planned Charles Compressor Station, which is a part of the Eastern Market Access Project. As we work towards finding a mutually agreeable solution, we will share more details regarding the new natural gas compressor station location.

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

Viewshed Facts

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

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.

Coalition to Save George Washington’s View

Mount Vernon is working with the following organizations to protect Washington's View. 

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

George Washington, 1793

Mount Vernon's Historic View

Since our first president, hundreds of leaders have enjoyed Mount Vernon's view.

President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania, French President Emmanuel Macron, and his wife Brigitte enjoy the iconic view with Mrs. Sarah Miller Coulson…

President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania, French President Emmanuel Macron, and his wife Brigitte enjoy the iconic view with Mrs. Sarah Miller Coulson…
President George W. Bush, First Lady Laura Bush, members of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, and guests during a President's Day ceremony in 2007…

President George W. Bush, First Lady Laura Bush, members of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, and guests during a President's Day ceremony in 2007…
First Lady Laura Bush and the Austin, Texas, Garden Club arrive on the piazza at Mount Vernon in 2001. (MVLA).

First Lady Laura Bush and the Austin, Texas, Garden Club arrive on the piazza at Mount Vernon in 2001. (MVLA).
President George H. W. Bush and King Hussein of Jordan pose for pictures on Mount Vernon's iconic east lawn overlooking the Potomac River in 1989. (MVLA)…

President George H. W. Bush and King Hussein of Jordan pose for pictures on Mount Vernon's iconic east lawn overlooking the Potomac River in 1989. (MVLA)…
First Lady Rosalynn Carter hosts the wives of Latin American dignitaries on the piazza at Mount Vernon in 1977. (MVLA).

First Lady Rosalynn Carter hosts the wives of Latin American dignitaries on the piazza at Mount Vernon in 1977. (MVLA).
President John F. and Jacqueline Kennedy hosted a state dinner at Mount Vernon on the east lawn overlooking the Potomac River in honor of President Mohammad…

President John F. and Jacqueline Kennedy hosted a state dinner at Mount Vernon on the east lawn overlooking the Potomac River in honor of President Mohammad…
First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt on the piazza at Mount Vernon in May of 1933 with many Vice Regents of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association. (MVLA).

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt on the piazza at Mount Vernon in May of 1933 with many Vice Regents of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association. (MVLA).
President Franklin Roosevelt looks out over the Potomac River as he delivers an address on April 14, 1939, in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of…

President Franklin Roosevelt looks out over the Potomac River as he delivers an address on April 14, 1939, in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of…
President Herbert Hoover addresses guests on the piazza at Mount Vernon at the bicentennial ceremony commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of…

President Herbert Hoover addresses guests on the piazza at Mount Vernon at the bicentennial ceremony commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of…
President William McKinley addresses visitors on the east lawn commemorating the centennial of George Washington's death. (MVLA).

President William McKinley addresses visitors on the east lawn commemorating the centennial of George Washington's death. (MVLA).

A Long History of Preservation

Over the past 60 years, there have been many threats to this view. However, thanks to the efforts of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association and our many public and private partners Washington’s beloved view remains largely unchanged. Generations of leaders, families, and school groups, have enjoyed this view and we want to continue to preserve it for future visitors to Mount Vernon.

Learn More
Login

Quick Links

Activities Calendar Shop Restaurant Give Membership
Estate Hours

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

iconDirections & Parking
buy tickets online & save