Texas Gate

Where is it Located

About the Texas Gate

The Texas Gate was built in 1899 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of George Washington's death. Funds for the construction of the gate were raised by a number of groups and citizens from Texas.

When thousands of visitors began to arrive at Mount Vernon via electric trolley during the last decade of the 19th century, it quickly became apparent that the estate needed an official entrance gate to handle the ever-increasing crowds. The citizens of Texas adopted the project under the leadership of Frances C. Maxey, Vice Regent for Texas. School children donated nickels and dimes, while members of the Masonic lodges organized a grassroots effort that swept across the state. The Texas Gate was dedicated on December 14, 1899.

From 1986 to 1988, Helen Sharp Anderson, Vice Regent for Texas, spearheaded a second statewide effort to refurbish the gate and modernize the interior with air-conditioning, enhanced security, and state-of-the-art computers for ticketing. Millions of visitors have passed under this impressive archway on their way to see the Mansion and other areas of Washington's historic estate.