How do we take care of George Washington's Tomb?
George Washington’s Tomb is a sight to behold. Our Director of Preservation, Thomas Reinhart, explains the upkeep required to keep the Tomb in great condition.
Mount Vernon is privately owned and will remain open in the case of a government shutdown.
George Washington died in his bedchamber at Mount Vernon on December 14, 1799.
His last will outlined his desire to be buried at home at Mount Vernon. Washington additionally made provisions for a new brick tomb to be constructed after his death, which would replace the original yet quickly deteriorating family burial vault.
In 1831, Washington’s body was transferred to the new tomb, along with the remains of Martha Washington and other family members.
Today, the gently wooded enclosure that surrounds the Washingtons' final resting place is a lovely, fitting space to pay homage to the Father of Our Country and the first First Lady.
Mount Vernon welcomes those who wish to pay their respect to the Father of our Country to honor George Washington by participating in a daily brief wreath-laying ceremony at the Washingtons' Tomb.
On December 18, 1799, four days after his death, George Washington’s body was placed in the Old Tomb where other family members were entombed. They remained here until 1831 when they were moved to the New Tomb.
George Washington's will directed the building of a new tomb at Mount Vernon. This is the final resting place for George and Martha Washington and a number of family members.
Mount Vernon is conducting an ongoing archaeological survey of the Slave Cemetery on the estate. From an archaeological standpoint, the best way to commemorate the lives of those free and enslaved individuals who lived and died at Mount Vernon is to thoroughly document the locations of individual burials on the landscape.
Commemorate the community of the enslaved people who lived and worked at Mount Vernon during a special wreath-laying presentation each day.
Mount Vernon welcomes those who wish to arrange for a wreath-laying ceremony to pay their respect to the Father of our Country. Reservations must be made in advance.
George Washington’s Tomb is a sight to behold. Our Director of Preservation, Thomas Reinhart, explains the upkeep required to keep the Tomb in great condition.