A Presidential Sight: Things to See at Mount Vernon
BY KITTY L. | SHIROOKAMI - DOGS.UNITE | 7.1.2022
Over the years, Mount Vernon has seen a lot of change, both throughout history and recent times. For me personally, it was the site of my first date, and the first historic landmark I visited in the region. One of the greatest and most visited landmarks of Northern Virginia, this estate and plantation of the 1st President of the United States is just oozing with history.
The mansion at Mount Vernon. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
We could go on in our usual manner, diving deeply into the historical abyss. But, there is an irreplaceable sense of reverence and appreciation one gets when exploring Mount Vernon in person, enjoying all of the hard work avid historians have brought at each site. Here is but a small preview of things to see at the historic estate. Let's go!
Stella and Chance are ready to explore Mount Vernon! | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
1. The man himself
Dual monuments in front of the final resting place. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Of course, George Washington is everywhere at Mount Vernon. But he is actually resting here in eternity with his wife, Martha. How romantic!
Path to the new tomb of Washington. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Visitors flock to the tomb. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
The marble sarcophagi of George and Martha Washington. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Commemorations by the Masons. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Plaque just to the left of the tombs. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
While the final resting place, specified in Washingtons' will, is the newer tomb built after his death, the old tomb is still accessible. It lies near the Potomac and served as the family vault, which was also the resting place of Washington's half brother, Lawrence, who gave the estate its name.
Path to the Old Tomb, which doesn't look to be "in peril" at all! | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
A good view of the Old Tomb. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Unfortunately, whatever is in the Old Tomb will remain a secret for now. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
2. The Bowling Green and Mansion
Stella sitting at the Bowling Green. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Now, this is probably like the Times Square of Mount Vernon. Several events take place at both the east and west fronts of the mansion. Facing the west front of the mansion are many re-enactments, military drills, and musical demonstrations on the Bowling Green. On the other side, one can enjoy a peaceful view of the Potomac and see some rare archaeological digs near the mansion.
People are lined up to see the interior of the mansion. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
View of the Potomac from the west front. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
The Dove of Peace weathervane, designed by Washington himself! | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Scaffolds around the mansion during renovations. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Archaeological dig at the east front. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Enjoying the view of the Potomac from the east front. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Sometimes, you will hear the sound of drums and flutes. Time to take cover - or, run to the nearest person giving a great educational spiel about the wars in which Washington participated. If you time it right, you will be able to participate in one of several Revolutionary War re-enactments, against the backdrop of trees Washington planted long ago.
An explanation of military drills on the Bowling Green. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Someone call the Continental Army because the Redcoats have taken over the east front. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
3. The Wharf
Kitty, Stella, and Chance view the Potomac Warf during a less crowded time of the year. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Most of us will arrive at Mount Vernon for the first time on foot, after parking in the lot of course. However, back in Washington's time and until the late 1800's, the normal course of entry was via the wharf. This wharf has taken a beating over the years. Ironically, it was restored in our time by none other than Elizabeth II - what a kind gesture!
Path to the wharf. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Lifesaver inside of the wharf. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Banks of the Potomac. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Chance and a child at the wharf. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Only during the warm season can you take a lengthy cruise down the Potomac. You can get a rare view of the mansion from a distance while passing the old fort. There are also cruises from DC directly to Mount Vernon.
Nautical map, charting our course. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Sailing up the Potomac. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
View of the mansion from the Potomac. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Enjoying the top deck of the ferry . | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
3. The Grounds
Exploring the Upper Garden. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
The grounds connect to everything else on land. Exploring the grounds makes you truly feel like you stepped back in time. It is clear that the estate has been its own, self-sustained little town, with farms, blacksmith shops, greenhouses and gardens, smokehouses, and everything else imaginable.
The invaluable hothouse that housed Washington's prized, tropical plants as well as practical fruiting trees. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Exploring the grounds, you will often encounter informative "locals" of the time period. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
The famous Virginia Ham has its roots here at the smokehouse, the pride of Martha Washington. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Smiths at the blacksmith shop, | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
The precursor to Jay Leno's Garage, George Washington's stable had several coaches, top-of-the-line carriages, and expertly bred horses. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
This is probably also the best place to walk with your dogs, as there is a lot of space on the many dirt trails that link you from site to site. Not only can you discover necessities throughout the estate, but also you will spot a few innovations of the time that were not seen elsewhere. Talk about the American spirit of innovation!
Walking down the paths over the extensive grounds. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
The treading barn, first of its kind, that solved the issue of separating wheat grain from the straw and hull. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
These are no ordinary bulls, but dual-purpose Red Devon Oxen from Pennsylvania, which provided farm power, milk, and beef. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
4. Tributes to Those Enslaved
Updated memorial to those who were enslaved who were interred here, in unmarked graves | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Of course, none of the grandeur and productivity of Mount Vernon could have been possible without the efforts of those who were enslaved on the plantation. Such a beautiful and historic place was indeed closely tied to slavery, and the estate presently provides a careful interpretation of slavery that is both edifying and reverent.
Considered to be comparatively lavish at its time, the greenhouse slave quarters was a gilded cage, but still a cage. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Bunk beds of slaves who were forced to work at the greenhouse. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Interestingly, while slavery during the time of Washington was not seen with the onus it was in later years, George Washington expressed opposition to the practice later in his life. He realized serious efforts would be required to truly abolish the practice.There is not a man living who wishes more sincerely than I do, to see a plan adopted for this abolition of [slavery] but there is only one proper and effectual mode by which it can be accomplished, & that is by Legislative authority.
-George Washington, 1786
Hundreds of unmarked graves for those enslaved. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Not too far from the tomb of Washington is a quiet path shaded by dense canopy. The air becomes silent here, and you realize this is the site of hundreds of unmarked grave, the more recently commemorated Slave Memorial. It was said that over 500 slaves worked in Mount Vernon, and all were buried with feet facing east, a representation of the soul returning to Africa. Washington wished that all those who were enslaved at the estate be set free once Martha Washington passed away. William Lee, however, was immediately freed on Washington's passing.
Updated memorial to those who were enslaved who were interred here, in unmarked graves. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Students have left a series of kindness rocks, spreading messages of hope and love. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
5. Educational Center
Moments of Truth, a glass mural highlighting important moments of Washington's life, such as the reading of the Declaration of Independence and crossing of the Delaware. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Did you know there is a Michigan-connection even at Mount Vernon? One of Mount Vernon's most "enthusiastic" guests was Henry Ford, who loved the estate so much that he went to great pains to fireproof every part of it. Today, the entry point to Mount Vernon is the modern and impressive Henry Ford Education Center.
A child meeting the Washington family! | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Dogs are allowed to enter this fully air-conditioned keep. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Within the educational center, there is a small museum with life-sized portraits of Washington. You can relive the notable moments of Washington's contributions as the 1st commander-in-chief while learning about the science behind the forensic reconstruction of his appearance at different timepoints in his life, created by Dr. Jeffrey H. Schwartz (University of Pittsburgh).
A modern forensic lab explaining the science behind the forensic reconstructions seen at various exhibits. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Large face cast of Washington. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Washington at age 45. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Washington at age 19. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Chance at the exit, against the backdrop of sponsors. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI
Henry Ford's passion for Mount Vernon lives on today, not only in the Educational Center, but also in Ford Motor Company's continued commitment to fund and foster the growth of Mount Vernon's educational outreach. May generations upon generations enjoy the history and beauty of Mount Vernon.