Mount Vernon's revolutionary perspective
But these days, you may wish to linger at the home of President George Washington in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C.
Those of us living in the shadow of Mount Vernon (much of the land was once Washington's property) have watched it grow from a been-there-done-that historic site to a don't-miss-it destination.
Some 240 years ago this week, on June 15, 1775, Washington was appointed to lead the Continental Army. He accepted a day later. That's reason enough to visit. But there are plenty of other reasons. Here are four:
You'll think of the country's first president in new ways that defy the toothless image stored in your memory cells.
For example, Washington was once quite good looking (yes, seriously). Realistic, life-sized mannequins in the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center depict the Founding Father in the woods as a young surveyor, on his horse at Valley Forge (snow dusting his cape), taking the oath of office, etc. Beyond giving visitors a sense of Washington’s life, the center puts the Revolution in context. Short films tell the story of the Continental Army’s long-shot victories and Washington’s role as a leader. The museum's theaters are very modern: Viewers can actually feel the rattling of cannon fire, and at one point it snows in the theater.
It becomes easy to understand why the sensible Washington walked away from power and eagerly returned home.
It's a lovely place. The staff last year completed a 14-month restoration of the mansion’s “new” room, a hall meant for entertaining. The restoration experts can talk at length about how they determined what sort of paint the general used, etc. But every detail in the room, from the landscape paintings to the molding, pays tribute to the young country.
If the grounds aren’t packed, your mansion guide might share stories of the family. (Some docents know more than others.) If there's time, ask about the bust of John Paul Jones in Washington's study. Was Jones afraid history would forget him?
Is it true that after George Washington died, Martha closed off the bedroom and moved into the attic?
Is it true that the general was a good dancer?
Mount Vernon offers a well-rounded view of Colonial life -- for better or for worse. Yes, there is the tomb of George and Martha Washington, but there are also other graves at Mount Vernon. Somewhere on the grounds of every stately Southern home, there is an overgrown patch of land where slaves were buried.
Sometimes, there is a historical marker or a map telling you where to find the burial grounds. Mount Vernon offers more -- a memorial designed by Howard University students. The granite column represents “life unfinished” according to Mount Vernon’s website. Famously, Washington’s will set his slaves free upon the death of his wife, Martha. She freed them a year after George died. (Martha also had slaves from the estate of her first husband, and she couldn't set them free. They were passed down to her children.)
The grounds provide a civilized contrast to the torrid sidewalks of downtown Washington: There are places to eat on the estate (reasonable price ranges). By the river, you can, occasionally, feel a breeze. And besides, a well-kept garden is always a pleasure -- and the general had several. Indeed, Washington designed the gardens. (But, as the mansion’s website admits, hired and enslaved gardeners did the work.)
The Pioneer Farm on the estate examines the challenges of farming before tractors and crop dusters.
Related:
Quick Study: George Washington
5 reasons to note George Washington's birthday
Washington's prayer at Valley Forge: Fact or fiction?
Recommended:
- Website: George Washington's Mount Vernon
- CHIPS, The Navy's Information Technology Magazine: John Paul Jones Comes Home to the U.S. Naval Academy
- Biography.com: Martha Washington
- Library of Congress: George Washington accepts his appointment as commander of the Continental Army
