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Mount Vernon

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The Estate

George Washington

Preservation

Education

Washington Library

Mount Vernon through Time

Since the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association took over the estate in 1860, it has seen decades of change while still remaining true to its mission to educate people about the life and legacies of George Washington.

Mount Vernon Ladies' Association

Regent Ann Pamela Cunningham and members of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association pose for a photograph near the east front of the Mount Vernon Mansion, 1870. Photographer Alexander Gardner. (MVLA) The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association was the first national historic preservation organization and is the oldest women's patriotic society in the United States. They bought Mount Vernon from George Washington's decedent, John Augustine Washington III.

When the Going Gets Tough

The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association has faced many historical crises with grit and grace.

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Civil War

Civil War

Arrangements for the first restoration efforts in 1859 were halted by the nation’s political climate. From 1861 to 1865, the American Civil War raged near and around Mount Vernon. However, the estate remained open to visitors.

19th-Century Photography

Following the Civil War which devastated most of northern Virginia, the recently formed Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, protector of George Washington's historic home, relied on the sale of photographs of Mount Vernon to visitors. This created an important collection of 19th-century views of Washington's home at Mount Vernon.

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World War I

World War I

On April 6, 1917, the United States officially declared war on Germany and entered World War I, which had been raging across the Atlantic Ocean since the summer of 1914. The war was felt across the country, including at George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

Suffrage Movement

Suffrage Movement

The MVLA was at the forefront of an explosion of all-female organizations in the 19th century. Women’s groups promoting issues such as abolition, temperance, child welfare, and historic preservation gave members an intellectual outlet, leadership experience, and increasingly public roles in society. Yet these women lacked one powerful tool—the right to vote.

World War II

World War II

World War II had a significant impact on Mount Vernon. Although the bombing of Washington's home was deemed "a very remote possibility", the MVLA hired additional guards and constructed a subterranean storage structure for the most important artifacts in the collection.

On the World Stage

On the World Stage

During Washington's life, he used Mount Vernon as a neutral site to help Virginia and Maryland discuss their common waterways. In the many decades since, presidents have hosted national and international events at Mount Vernon.

History of the MVLA Archives

History of the MVLA Archives

Fortunately, the founding Ladies of the MVLA had the foresight to save, store, and organize their own institutional documents, along with Washington’s, and set a precedent for future generations.

Mount Vernon's Historic View

Since our first president, hundreds of leaders have enjoyed Mount Vernon's view.

President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania, French President Emmanuel Macron, and his wife Brigitte enjoy the iconic view with Mrs. Sarah Miller Coulson…

President George W. Bush, First Lady Laura Bush, members of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, and guests during a President's Day ceremony in 2007…

First Lady Laura Bush and the Austin, Texas, Garden Club arrive on the piazza at Mount Vernon in 2001. (MVLA).

President George H. W. Bush and King Hussein of Jordan pose for pictures on Mount Vernon's iconic east lawn overlooking the Potomac River in 1989. (MVLA)…

First Lady Rosalynn Carter hosts the wives of Latin American dignitaries on the piazza at Mount Vernon in 1977. (MVLA).

President John F. and Jacqueline Kennedy hosted a state dinner at Mount Vernon on the east lawn overlooking the Potomac River in honor of President Mohammad…

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt on the piazza at Mount Vernon in May of 1933 with many Vice Regents of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association. (MVLA).

President Franklin Roosevelt looks out over the Potomac River as he delivers an address on April 14, 1939, in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of…

President Herbert Hoover addresses guests on the piazza at Mount Vernon at the bicentennial ceremony commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of…

President William McKinley addresses visitors on the east lawn commemorating the centennial of George Washington's death. (MVLA).

Sarah Johnson

Sarah Johnson

Sarah Johnson returned to Mount Vernon to work for the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association. During her long employment with the MVLA, she earned the high respect of many Vice Regents and fellow employees. Mary Carver Leiter, Vice Regent of Illinois (1885–1913), purchased the wedding dress for Johnson’s marriage to William Robinson in 1888.

Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison

One of the most perplexing issues regarding historic preservation is whether or not to install modern utility systems. After much discussion, the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association allowed Thomas Edison's firm to "electrify" the Mansion.

Henry Ford

Henry Ford

While touring Mount Vernon, Henry Ford was surprised and disappointed to discover that the estate was ill-prepared to fight its greatest enemy: fire. When he returned home, he directed his staff to send Mount Vernon its first fire engine.

Fire Department

Fire Department

Fire protection and prevention has been a major focus of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association since the organization took possession of George Washington’s estate in 1860.

A Culture of Memory

A Culture of Memory

Mount Vernon's ephemera collection contains items such as printed invitations, children’s books, and advertisements that call to mind Washington’s lasting influence on pop culture and society.

Early Postcards

See how the estate has changed over time.

Ghost Stories

Ghost Stories

Since George Washington's death in 1799, there have been stories of mysterious activities and spectral sightings at Mount Vernon. Some are so old, that they too are historic.

Then & Now

Then & Now

George Washington's Mount Vernon worked with Mark Hersch to produce a set of photos that meld historic images from our collection with modern images taken from the same vantage point.

National Treasure: Book of Secrets

National Treasure: Book of Secrets

The Mount Vernon estate is a featured location in National Treasure: Book of Secrets, a blockbuster, action-adventure film released by Disney.

The Pelican Brief

The Pelican Brief

The east lawn of George Washington's home was transformed into a Hollywood set for a day in July 1994. The Pelican Brief, based on the best-selling John Grisham novel, features scenes filmed at Mount Vernon.

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