It’s not every day you get to walk through the actual home of a Founding Father, but our trip to Mount Vernon was exactly that—a step back into the 18th century (with better air conditioning in the museum, thankfully).
If you’ve never been to George Washington’s estate, put it on your D.C. bucket list. It’s about 15 miles south of the capital, right on the banks of the Potomac River, and honestly? The views alone are worth the ticket price.
The Mansion: Not Your Average Farmhouse
The main event, of course, is the mansion. We took the guided tour, which is the only way to see the inside. It’s surprisingly colorful! We learned that the bright green in the “New Room” was a serious status symbol back in the day—apparently, verdigris paint was expensive and flashy.
One of my favorite details was the outside of the house. It looks like white stone blocks, right? Nope. It’s actually wood! Washington used a technique called “rustication”—essentially cutting pine boards to look like masonry and coating them in paint mixed with sand. It was the ultimate 1700s “fake it ’til you make it” architectural move.
Inside, you walk through the very rooms where George and Martha entertained guests, and you can even spot the Key to the Bastille hanging on the wall (a gift from his buddy Lafayette).
Exploring the Grounds
After the house, we wandered the grounds. The estate is massive. We checked out the Upper Gardens, which are still producing food today. Washington was huge on experimental farming; he wasn’t just a general, he was an agricultural nerd.
The Ladies Who Saved the Day (Literally)
Here is the coolest part of the history lesson we got: Mount Vernon wouldn’t even exist today if it weren’t for a group of determined women.
By the 1850s, the estate was a disaster—falling apart, overgrown, and basically in ruins. The government (both federal and Virginia) refused to buy it. Enter Ann Pamela Cunningham. In 1853, she started the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association (MVLA).
They raised $200,000 (which was a fortune back then) essentially through grassroots fundraising to buy the property. They became the first national historic preservation organization in the U.S. and are the reason the house is still standing.
Fun Fact: They still own and run it today! Mount Vernon doesn’t accept government funding; it’s all kept running by ticket sales and donations.
Another amazing conservation win? The view. When you stand on the back piazza looking out at the Potomac, the view is virtually identical to what Washington saw. In the 20th century, the MVLA fought to protect the land across the river from being developed into shopping malls or condos. So, when you look out, you just see trees and river. It’s magical.
Final Thoughts
It was a fantastic day trip. If you go, wear comfy shoes (seriously, lots of walking) and definitely grab a spot on the back porch to just sit and watch the river for a few minutes. It’s the best seat in the house.