An American History Trip - Mount Vernon

Across the Fence #492

Last week we toured the battlefields of Gettysburg as part of our bus trip that also included Mount Vernon and Washington D.C. There was a light rain falling most of the day that we toured Gettysburg and Mount Vernon, but we didn’t let it dampen our spirits or interfer with touring the sites. We came prepared, as did many others, and had an umbrella with us.

After we departed Gettysburg, Pennsylvania we headed down the road to Mount Vernon, Virginia. This was the home of George and Martha Washington. We found out it was first owned by George Washington’s great-grandfather in 1674. This historic estate was composed of five farms by the time Washington became president. His home was built between 1735 and 1787, as additions were added to the original house. It’s considered to have the most magnificent view of any homes along the Potomac River. As we toured the grounds, I can attest that even in the rain the view was great. Today, Mount Vernon covers 500 acres and includes the mansion, Washington’s tomb, a slave memorial cemetery, two museums, 12 outbuildings, many gardens, and a pioneer farm site.

Following Washington’s death on December 12, 1799, the estate began to decline and was falling into disrepair. In 1858, the house’s historical importance was recognized and it was saved from ruin by The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association. This philanthropic organization acquired the mansion along with part of the Washington estate. It’s still owned and maintained in trust by the association. It’s great that they saved the property and still operate it so people can visit this important historical site.

Prior to the Revolutionary War, Washington operated the estate as five separate farms. It may interest Vernon County, Wisconsin farmers that Washington raised tobacco, but didn’t have much success with the crop and by 1766 he had quit trying to grow tobacco and replaced it with wheat, corn, and other grain crops.

This was over 100 years before the Civil War and Virginia farmers owned slaves who did the work. I found it interesting that Washington had a surplus of slaves at Mount Vernon because he refused to break up families and sell them, as other slave owners did. At the time of his death the slave population of Mount Vernon was 316 people. Washington’s thoughts on slavery changed over the years and near the end of his life he mandated the freeing of all his slaves upon his wife’s death. His estate paid for the care of them for decades after his death. Of nine early presidents who owned slaves, Washington is the only one who freed all his slaves. 

When we were in grade school we began learning about George Washington, the father of our country. I remember the famous portrait that most rural schools had hanging on the wall, along with Abraham Lincoln’s portrait. We also learned that he cut down a cherry tree and confessed that he had done the deed to his father because he couldn’t tell a lie. He also purportedly threw a dollar across the Potomac River. And of course, we were taught that he wore wooden dentures. As I said in a recent column, what is truth, and in this case, what is myth? 

Washington had full dentures but they were not made of wood. Biographer Parson Mason Weems wrote that he chopped down a cherry tree and never told a lie, but he invented those stories to enhance Washington’s heroic qualities. If any of you have seen the Potomac River, you know it’s a long way across (about a mile wide) and there were no US silver dollars available when Washington was a young man. I’m sorry to burst your historical bubble about the man, but someone has to set the record straight.

In reality, Washington didn’t need those myths to be a great man and leader. He fought many battles during the French and Indian War. Four bullets ripped through his coat and two horses were shot from underneigth him. Those incidents increased his stature as a man who was destined to lead his countrymen to victory. He was elected Commander in Chief of the Continental Army and after more than seven grueling years, led them to victory. When the new constitution was ratified, Washington was unanimously elected as our nation’s first President and served from 1789 until the end of his second term in 1797. He established the two terms per President so we wouldn’t become a monarchy with a King ruling for life. 

Touring the Mount Vernon mansion and surrounding grounds was special to me because of my love of history. Even the falling rain didn’t diminish the experience. It’s a beautiful spot with magnificent views. As we neared the end of our visit, I had a better appreciation for the Father of Our Country as we stood in front of the crypt where George and Martha now rest.

I’m glad our tour included a stop at Mount Vernon. It’s well worth the trip. Next week we’ll continue the journey as Mr. Sherpe Goes to Washington.     

*