Take a Day Trip to Mt. Vernon
There are many things to do and see during a day tour of Mount Vernon that are sure to capture the interest of visitors of all ages. Although the land belonged to the Washington family for many years, the manor house used by George Washington and his family was built in 1757 based on drawings done by Washington.
The 500 acre estate includes the 14-room main house, slave living areas, smokehouses, stables and other traditional farm buildings. Around 1831 the family graveyard was completed when the body of Washington, who died in 1779, was reburied there along with his wife, Martha and other Washington family members. The estate also includes the unmarked graves of African-Americans who served the family.
Visitors have the opportunity to see very special items such as Washington’s wooden dentures, presidential chair, and a globe of Washington,DC believed to have been used by Washington as a land surveyor. One very special item is the Bastille Key that was presented by Lafayette as a presidential gift.
New additions to the Mount Vernon exhibits are the pioneer farm depicting 17th and 18th century farm life including a round barn with 16 sides where visitors can experience a thrashing demonstration