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Mount Vernon still stands today as a fine example of stately Colonial beauty. It incorporates several architectural firsts.
ew moments in George Washington's crowded and honored life gave
him as much pleasure as those spent at his home, Mount Vernon.
The first President, born 226 years ago next Saturday, believed in
sharing his deeply gratifying home life and, as a proud host, he once
wrote, "Scarcely any strangers from north to south or south to north do
not spend a day or two in Mount Vernon." In the decades after his death,
however, the stately house fell into disrepair. When neither local nor
national governments showed interest, Pamela Cunningham of South
Carolina undertook a campaign in which the American people themselves
would preserve the estate. In 1860 her association acquired the 200-acre
tract on behalf of future generations. Today free people from north, south,
east, and west pause to enjoy the graciousness and tranquillity of
Washington's home as its owner intended.
Photos: Pictow from Three Lions
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Many originals remain. World globe, on display in
library, was made in London on Washington's order.
Letter press was mimeograph machine of Washing
ton's time. Young visitors test its simple mechanism.
At close of his first term as President, Washington
purchased secretary-desk. Chair is also an original.
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"My manner of living is plain," Washington Model of French Bastille was presented to Washington by another
once wrote. Simple kitchen bears him out. general and comrade-in-arms in Revolutionary War, Lafayette.
II Family Weekly. February IS, 1M
In this room and on this bed, the nation's
first President died on December 14, 1799.