March 1851
Millard Fillmore was the 13th President of the United States (1850–1853). He came to Mount Vernon in March of 1851 to assess whether it would make a suitable home for soldiers. While at Mount Vernon, he cut down a tree about 40 yards from the Tomb for a flag staff for a Mr. Duncan, "who is going to the Holy Land and wished a flag staff from Mt. Vernon on which to raise the American flag on his journeys".