Photo (c) Christina Saull - All Rights Reserved
A little background:
Mount Vernon was home to George Washington for more than 45 years. First known as Little Hunting creek Plantation, the estate was originally granted to Washington's great grandfather, John Washington, in 1674. George Washington inherited the property upon the death of his brother Lawrence in 1761.
Over the years, Washington enlarged the residence & built up the property from 2,000 to nearly 8,000 acres. He divided the acreage into five working farms, including the Mansion House Farm, where he lives with his family. One of the biggest improvements he made to the mansion was the addition of the two-story porch, or piazza, overlooking the Potomac River.
The mansion has been restored to its appearance in 1799, the last year of Washington's life.
We toured Mt. Vernon (for my first time ever) a few weeks ago on a rainy Saturday evening. A special Christmas at Mt. Vernon program is held every December, with guided tours of the mansion, included historical characters inside. Normally I find "historical character" actors a bit cheesy, but when Martha Washington complimented me on my red coat & told me it reminded her of her cape at Valley Forge, I was smitten. The mansion is huge & gorgeous inside, but smaller than expected on the outside. The view out to the Potomac is spectacular & land has been purchased on the opposite side of the river to preserve the view, so it will always be just as George Washington saw it.
As part of the special "Mt. Vernon by Candlelight at Christmas" program, they handed out gingerbread cookies & hot cider, had period musicians & even a camel, just like the one Washington bought to entertain his guests!
It was a great experience & I hope to return to Mt. Vernon during the day, in order to be able to fully appreciate the estate. Now, if you'll excuse me, I feel the need to re-read David McCullough's 1776 for the 100th time.
Over the years, Washington enlarged the residence & built up the property from 2,000 to nearly 8,000 acres. He divided the acreage into five working farms, including the Mansion House Farm, where he lives with his family. One of the biggest improvements he made to the mansion was the addition of the two-story porch, or piazza, overlooking the Potomac River.
The mansion has been restored to its appearance in 1799, the last year of Washington's life.
We toured Mt. Vernon (for my first time ever) a few weeks ago on a rainy Saturday evening. A special Christmas at Mt. Vernon program is held every December, with guided tours of the mansion, included historical characters inside. Normally I find "historical character" actors a bit cheesy, but when Martha Washington complimented me on my red coat & told me it reminded her of her cape at Valley Forge, I was smitten. The mansion is huge & gorgeous inside, but smaller than expected on the outside. The view out to the Potomac is spectacular & land has been purchased on the opposite side of the river to preserve the view, so it will always be just as George Washington saw it.
As part of the special "Mt. Vernon by Candlelight at Christmas" program, they handed out gingerbread cookies & hot cider, had period musicians & even a camel, just like the one Washington bought to entertain his guests!
It was a great experience & I hope to return to Mt. Vernon during the day, in order to be able to fully appreciate the estate. Now, if you'll excuse me, I feel the need to re-read David McCullough's 1776 for the 100th time.
pretty decorations greeting visitor's en-route to the mansion in the newly finished visitor's center
Photo (c) Christina Saull - All Rights Reserved
musicians playing period instruments & holiday songs
Photo (c) Christina Saull - All Rights Reserved
Christmas camel!
Photo (c) Christina Saull - All Rights Reserved
slave quarters - the dark bricks in the right hand corner are original to the structure from the 1790's
Photo (c) Christina Saull - All Rights Reserved
a nice warm fire in a kettle
Photo (c) Christina Saull - All Rights Reserved
gingerbread house Mt. Vernon, created by the former White House Pastry chef
Photo (c) Christina Saull - All Rights Reserved
gingerbread portico
Photo (c) Christina Saull - All Rights Reserved
sugar Christmas camel!
Photo (c) Christina Saull - All Rights Reserved
Photo (c) Christina Saull - All Rights Reserved
George!
Photo (c) Christina Saull - All Rights Reserved
holiday George
Photo (c) Christina Saull - All Rights Reserved
patriotic tree
Photo (c) Christina Saull - All Rights Reserved
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