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Mount Vernon

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The Estate

George Washington

Preservation

Education

Washington Library

Historic Area

In Mount Vernon's historic area you can explore the Washingtons' home and more than a dozen historic outbuildings.

In 1799, more than 50 enslaved men and women were trained in specific trades. These individuals used their skills to make tools and textiles, care for livestock, process food, and construct and repair many of Mount Vernon’s buildings, including the Mansion itself. Today visitors can explore the outbuildings where much of this work was done including the blacksmith shop, smokehouse, stable, spinning house, and more.

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Outbuildings

During your visit to Mount Vernon explore the outbuildings surrounding the Mansion.

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Spinning House

Enslaved and itinerant weavers worked in the Spinning House to produce basic textiles for use at Mount Vernon.

Blacksmith Shop

This building was essential to the running of the plantation and vital to Washington’s business endeavors.

Greenhouse

One of the largest buildings on the estate, it was designed protect plants from the cold and house enslaved workers.

Slave Quarters

These living quarters, which flank the greenhouse, were home for some enslaved people who worked at Mansion House Farm.

Smokehouse

Vast quantities of pork were smoked in this structure to feed the Washington family and their guests.

Salt House

This structure provided secure storage for the large quantities of salt that George Washington imported.

Necessary

In the 18th century, there were probably four necessaries, or outhouses, spread out around the Mansion House grounds.

Wash House

Laundry for the Washington family, their guests, and single white male workers were washed here.

Stable and Coach House

Enslaved men fed and groomed the animals, cleaned harnesses and saddles, and collected manure for use as fertilizer.

Ice House

This structure was like a dry well and used to keep ice frozen for months.

Garden House

Located in the upper and lower gardens, these structures were used to store tools and seeds.

Overseer's Quarters

Each of Washington’s farms had its own overseer, who supervised work and submitted weekly reports.

Dung Repository

This structure was designed to compost animal droppings and other organic waste for use as fertilizer.

Storehouse

Used as storage under lock and key for hundreds of items, such as tools, leather, thread, powder, shot, and blankets.

Gardener's House

This building first served briefly as a hospital for enslaved workers, then for wool-spinning, and finally a dwelling.

Kitchen

The Kitchen was used to prepare all meals served to George and Martha Washington and their many guests.

Servants' Hall

For the majority of year, the Servants' Hall was reserved exclusively for the use of the visitors' servants.

Historic Area Map

Gardens

Washington's mind was rarely far from the lush gardens and majestic views at Mount Vernon. Today you can explore the four gardens Washington developed and enjoy his unspoiled view across the Potomac River.

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Tombs

Pay your respect to George and Martha Washington at their final resting place.

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Historic Trades

While Mount Vernon was owned by Washington, most of the work was done by enslaved people trained in specific trades.

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Audio Tour

Enrich your visit with Mount Vernon's audio tour, that discusses and interprets Washington's estate, including most of the outbuildings, at over 30 stops.

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Characters from the 18th Century

View Calendar Today at Mount Vernon

Feb24–27

Meet Mrs. Washington

Feb24–28

Meet People from Washington's World

Feb24–28

The World of the 18th Century

Feb28

Greet Lady Washington

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Gristmill

George Washington's merchant gristmill was capable of producing 5,000 to 8,000 pounds of flour and cornmeal a day. Today, this milling system is faithfully interpreted, fully-functioning, and open to guests seasonally.

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Distillery

In 1799, George Washington's distillery produced nearly 11,000 gallons, making it the largest whiskey distillery in America at the time. Today, a faithfully reconstructed working distillery produces small-batch spirits and is open seasonally to visitors.

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Historic Structures

There are four different types of standing historic structures under the care of Mount Vernon's Architectural Preservation staff. Each type helps tell the story of life at Mount Vernon.

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South Lane

Explore the buildings south of the Mansion

Explore Mount Vernon

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Labor in the Mansion

A staff of enslaved butlers, housemaids, waiters, and cooks made the Washingtons’ lifestyle possible.

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Skilled Trades

Dozens of enslaved men and women were trained in trades including distilling, carpentry, textiles, dairy production, and gardening.

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Blacksmith Shop

Blacksmithing was an important craft activity throughout most of the Washington family's ownership of the Mount Vernon plantation.

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Fisheries

For decades, Washington's fisheries along the Potomac River helped support the estate.

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Vaughan Plan

Samuel Vaughan sketched a plan of the Mount Vernon mansion and the formal area around it in his journal, embellishing it with a perspective of the river and the Maryland shore beyond.

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Expansion of Mount Vernon

In 1754, Washington began residing at Mount Vernon, a 3,000 acre estate and a house that approximated 3,500 square feet. By his death, the estate was about 7,600 acres and almost 11,000 square feet.

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