
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.
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.
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The Washington Library is open to all researchers and scholars, by appointment only.
In Mount Vernon's historic area, explore more than a dozen historic outbuildings.
In 1799, more than 50 enslaved men and women were trained in specific trades. They used their skills to:
Today, you can visit the outbuildings where much of this work was done, including the blacksmith shop, smokehouse, stable, and spinning house.
During your visit to Mount Vernon, view the outbuildings surrounding the Mansion.
Plan Your VisitSpinning 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 to 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.Explore the buildings south of the Mansion