Mount Vernon, Virginia – August 2022

Mount Vernon, Virginia – August 2022

by Kim · Published August 31, 2022 · Updated July 17, 2024

Mount Vernon, Virginia – August 2022

Michelle and I took a quick tour of President George Washington's home, Mount Vernon. We could have easily spent an entire day looking at all of the exhibits, buildings and overall plantation.

The home began as a one and one-half story house built in 1734 by George Washington's father, Augustine Washington, and received its well-known name from his half-brother Lawrence Washington. George Washington began running Mount Vernon in 1754, and over the next 45 years slowly enlarged the dwelling to create the 21-room residence we see today. Take a look at Mountvernon.org if you are interested in finding out more.

George Washington's home. It was much smaller when he inherited it from his father. Over the years he added a second floor and room on each end.

The exterior is actually wood that Washington had etched to look like stone. Then it was painted with paint and sand to give it a stone-like texture. Even close up it looks and feels like stone. Our tour guide said most of the wood is original.

A view of the Potomac River from Washington's home, Mount Vernon.

This elegant room was a public space where visitors enjoyed the Washington family's company. Tea and coffee were customarily served here during the winter and on rainy days, and the household gathered here in the evenings to read, discuss the latest political news, and play games.

The dining room is part of the original house, built in 1734. While Washington was away commanding the Continental Army in 1775, it was updated under the supervision of his cousin Lund Washington. In 1785 striking verdigris-green paint was added.

The Key to the Bastille, given to Washington by the Marquis de Lafayette in 1790, after the destruction of this infamous prison in Paris. George Washington put it here where it has stayed for more then 200 years.

The Chintz Room was inspired by the decorative arts of Asia.

This room is often referred to as the Lafayette bedchamber because it is believed that the marquis stayed here while visiting the Washingtons.

The Blue Room was one of the six primary bedchambers at Mount Vernon.

A guest room. They had many, many visitors. Most of them were not invited. The American people wanted to see him and would just come. Washington felt obligated to treat them as guests.

George and Martha's bedroom. Designed according to Mrs. Washington's suggestion that it be simple and functional, the room was also her sanctuary, where she planned her schedule and wrote letters to friends and family members.

Washington's office. The chair he sat in had a pedal underneath that would move a fan above his head. After his return to Mount Vernon at the end of the Revolutionary War in 1783, the study became his retreat from ever-present family and visitors; a place where he could quietly and privately tend to business.

Washington bought this desk and had it shipped here for his retirement.

The kitchen was in a separate building. The cook lived above this space.

The Storehouse. Tools and other supplies were kept under lock and key here.

Washington's clerk had a room outside of the main house but near Washington's study.

There were many buildings that housed various tasks and tools.

A really old, and large tree. There were many beautiful trees on the grounds.

Forensic anthropologist reconstructed what George Washington looked like at age 19, 45 and 57. Based on their findings, this is what he looked like at age 19.

Forensic anthropologist reconstructed what George Washington looked like at age 19, 45 and 57. Based on their findings, this is what he looked like at age 45.

George Washington at age 57 when he became our first president.

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