Mount Vernon, the historic plantation of George and Martha Washington, encompasses a wide swath of verdant rolling hills along the Potomac River in Virginia. Preserved and maintained since 1858 by The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, this slice of American history illustrates the genteel life enjoyed by the Washingtons. At one time, the surrounding 8,000 acres were Washington’s holdings, where he farmed a variety of crops from wheat to tobacco.

By today’s standards, the Mount Vernon mansion is small but elegant, having grown out of many renovations and expansions of a farmhouse owned by Washington’s great-grandfather. Lines form early for the guided tour, and the wait can be long, but worthwhile. After a short video presentation on the home, guests enter the mansion through a breezeway. The first room on the tour is the largest, the exquisite Large Dining Room. Here, within the deep green wallpapered walls, the Washingtons hosted heads of state from around the world. The room’s plasterwork contains depictions of a gentleman farmer’s life: fruits, vegetables, tools, and livestock. Tours move on to the piazza, or porch, with its sweeping view of the river. A long passage, or hallway, links the first floor rooms and both front and rear doors. The vivid blue West Parlor contains family portraits. The Little Parlor served as a music room for Washington’s granddaughter, Nelly Custis. The Small Dining Room, used on an everyday basis, is set for a meal.

As major figures in Colonial society, the Washingtons were rarely without guests. The Downstairs Bedroom met the need for overnight guests. Five bedrooms on the upper floor served the extended family, which included two grandchildren, a nephew and his wife, and two secretaries. The rooms are furnished for function; one odd note is the short length of colonial-era beds. The master bedroom sits well apart from the others. Its simple but tasteful decor reflects Martha’s tastes, since she also used it as her office. Guides point out the bed in which Washington took his last breath, at age 67. Next door is his utilitarian study, containing books and papers he used on a daily basis. The leather chair was used throughout his presidency.

The kitchen is removed from the main body of the house by a connecting breezeway, ostensibly to prevent an accidental fire from damaging the house. Its enormous fireplace harkens back to an era when even the simplest of tasks could be a difficult and dangerous chore.

A colorful “pleasure garden” flanks the mansion on the upper side. Narrow, mazelike pathways dart between rows of foxglove, larkspur, crown imperial, and other colorful flowering plants. A large greenhouse housed Washington’s collection of exotic plants; the lower level contains dioramas of plantation life, and a shop. A small modern museum houses tangible remnants of the estate’s past. From dinnerware to jewels, swords, portraits and letters, the collection celebrates the life of America’s first First Family.

On the lower side of the mansion, a vegetable garden provided fresh food for the household. Nearby, the servant’s quarters reflect the plainness of their lives. The washerwoman daily boiled and pounded clothing. At the smithy, slaves Nat and George worked the forge to produce horseshoes and tools. They also took care of tool and gun repairs for the estate. Stablehands wrestled with the family’s horses, and other servants tended to the gardens and the livestock.  

Follow the trail down to the river and discover a few hidden treasures. The original family burial ground held the family’s remains until 1831, after which a new brick tomb was completed. Here, George and Martha rest in two marble sarcophagi, graced by an honor guard and perpetually decorated by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Nearby, a slave memorial was built on the site of the slave’s burial ground, to honor the dedicated workers on the plantation. Washington freed his slaves in his will; some stayed on to help Martha, who died in 1802.

At the river’s edge, boats can approach a wharf and dock. Nearby, a new exhibition area commemorates Washington’s role as a gentleman farmer. Four acres of land harbor crops grown during the heyday of Mount Vernon; period farming techniques are demonstrated. A reconstructed 16-sided treading barn shows Washington’s creative farming skills. Horses walked in a circle upon the wheat; the grains fell through to a lower level, where they were gathered up and ground into meal.

Refreshments are not permitted on the property, but a small cafeteria, a snack bar, and the elegant Mount Vernon Inn are just outside the park gates. Enjoy a candlelight dinner of fine American food, served by colonial costumed servers. Reservations suggested (703/780-0011).

Mount Vernon is open seven days a week, 365 days a year. Hours vary by season: Apr-Aug, 8am-5pm; Mar, Sep, Oct, 9am-5pm; Nov-Feb, 9am-4pm.  

By far the most scenic approach route through Washington, D.C., the George Washington Memorial Parkway ends at Mount Vernon. From Pittsburgh, take the Pennsylvania Turnpike to I-70 south at Breezewood; I-270 south at Frederick, MD; and the Beltway, I-495 south, across the Potomac River to the Parkway. Travel time, 5 hours.

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