The areas around Washington DC could be described as a who’s who of American political history.
Fortunately, those must visit locations aren’t limited to the metro area of the U.S. capital.
Located about 40 minutes’ drive from The White House is the home of the first President of the United States, George Washington.
The Mount Vernon Estate tells the story of President Washington in a way that no other location can. The land and its story gives a vivid and detailed look into 18th-century plantation life.
As well as its large wooden main mansion, the land houses a range of preserved outbuildings where skilled enslaved workers once carried out essential trades that supported the daily operations of the estate including blacksmithing, laundry and food preparation.
The estate’s spectacular gardens and landscapes were carefully planned by Washington himself to serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. And, he definitely succeeded on that front.
Mount Vernon also includes areas of dense bush and plenty of open landscapes which makes it a great spot to soak up the warm sunshine on a nice day.
There are two particularly captivating locations to visit on the estate.
Before he passed away in 1799, Washington expressed his wishes to be buried on the estate. So both he and his wife Martha are buried in a tomb located in the gardens at Mount Vernon.
The tomb lies within a quiet, wooden enclosure. It offers a peaceful and dignified setting for visitors to reflect on the legacy of the nation’s first president and the woman who shared in the shaping of his public and private life.
It’s also a short walk from the other must-see location on the estate.
The Slave Memorial honours the enslaved individuals who lived and worked for Washington and his family. The site was used for burials from the late 1700s to the mid-1800s, though most graves were unmarked.
Today, stones carrying messages of love and hope written by visitors and school students are placed around the site. There is also a daily tribute that takes place at this burial site.
There’s also a staff member permanently located at the spot to answer any sensitive questions and to make sure visitors are maintaining the peace and respect such a site requires.
It’s impossible not to stand and imagine what the world may have been like for those who are buried in the grounds around you.
Tours of the estate are highly recommended, as there are so many stories to be told from every spot around the property and its gardens.
Tickets start from around $US28. There is also a large food court located on the grounds, with a selection of fast food and cold drinks available. If you are travelling with kids, it may be worth grabbing something to eat before driving back to Washington DC.
I visited in the height of summer. If you are doing the same then make sure you have some water with you as it can get very hot and there’s a bit of walking to do around the grounds.
Some of the walking is uphill, but there is also a shuttle service that runs from the bottom of the property back to the top. It operates every 10-15 minutes and is free for visitors.
Pictures courtesy Mount Vernon Estate
