America’s First Presidential That Was Saved by Women Who Raised $200,000 in the 1850s

Mount Vernon, Virginia

George Washington’s estate isn’t just some fancy old house on a hill – it’s a 500-acre snapshot of early American life, complete with the mansion he obsessed over for 45 years. Beyond the first president’s killer view of the Potomac, you’ll find working farms, restored gardens, and even the rarely-talked-about quarters where hundreds of enslaved people lived and worked.

Beyond the first president’s killer view of the Potomac, you’ll find working farms, restored gardens, and even the rarely-talked-about quarters where hundreds of enslaved people lived and worked.

White House Turkeys Retired at Washington’s Farm

Those Thanksgiving turkeys pardoned by presidents used to live at Mount Vernon until 2019. Washington raised his own turkeys too, but they ended up on dinner plates. The pardoned birds later moved to a place called Gobblers Rest at Virginia Tech.

These big birds usually survived only a few months after their pardon because they were bred to be plump, not long-lived.

Washington Brought a Real Camel to His Christmas Party

Back in 1787, Washington spent 18 shillings to bring a camel to Mount Vernon during Christmas. Washington really loved unusual animals and tried to get zebras and elk for his estate. He also created a breeding program for mules by crossing imported donkeys with American horses.

The Founding Father Was Actually a Whiskey Tycoon

By 1799, Washington was making nearly 11,000 gallons of whiskey every year, running one of the biggest distilleries in America at that time. You can check out a working recreation that makes authentic 18th-century style spirits today.

His recipe used mostly rye with some corn and malted barley. The gift shop sells limited bottles of this historic whiskey that fans grab up quickly whenever they’re released.

Car Maker Ford Worried About Fire at Mount Vernon

Henry Ford worried about fire safety at Mount Vernon after visiting in 1923, so he personally gave the estate its first fire engine. Later he upgraded it and suggested they start their own fire department.

Today the property has modern fire protection systems throughout. You can sometimes see the original engine during special events, complete with shiny brass parts and hand-operated pumps.

His House Was Five Times Bigger Than Normal Homes

Washington’s home measured about 11,000 square feet, making regular Virginia houses from that time look like tiny cottages. Most people then lived in homes between 200-1,200 square feet.

The house started smaller in 1734 but Washington expanded it twice. Inside you’ll find 21 rooms across three floors with eight fireplaces. Washington himself designed many special features, including the distinctive cupola on top.

The Stone Walls Are Actually Painted Wood

What looks like stone on the mansion is actually wooden siding painted and covered with sand to fake the look of stone blocks. This trick was popular among wealthy colonial folks and called rustication.

Washington picked the buff-ochre color himself, mixing linseed oil with iron oxide pigments. The walls need repainting every 5-7 years using old-school methods to keep them looking authentic.

A Group of Women Saved Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon has run without government money for over 170 years after the U.S. government passed on buying it in the 1850s. The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association raised $200,000, worth about $6 million today, to rescue the estate.

You can see portraits of these pioneer women in the museum. They formed America’s oldest historic preservation group and still maintain everything through tickets and donations.

Tourists First Came to Mount Vernon on Steamboats

Starting in 1874, you could take a steamboat called the Mary Washington to visit Mount Vernon for just 50 cents round trip, admission included. This boat carried 1,500 people per trip. You can still arrive by boat today on seasonal cruises from Alexandria.

The estate’s dock was important to Washington for shipping his crops and getting fancy goods straight from England.

Thomas Edison Wanted to Modernize Mount Vernon

In 1916, Thomas Edison’s company suggested adding electricity to the mansion, causing big debates about keeping things authentic. They finally installed hidden electrical systems in the 1930s.

Edison visited several times and really admired Washington’s farming innovations. Before electricity came along, the mansion burned through hundreds of beeswax candles each month, something staff shows visitors during evening tours.

George Washington Barely Got to Enjoy It

After all his work creating this amazing estate, Washington hardly spent time there once it was finished. During his eight years leading the Continental Army, he visited just once.

Then presidential duties kept him away another eight years. When he finally came home in 1797, he said it felt more like a busy hotel than a private home because so many people kept showing up.

The First President Hosted Almost 700 Guests in One Year

In just 1798, the year before Washington died, he and Martha hosted 677 different guests. Washington noticed his food costs went up 300% because of unexpected visitors. When you tour the house, you’ll see the guest bedroom always ready for company.

Washington’s rules meant even surprise visitors got a place to stay, and the staff had to change bed sheets daily whether they were used or not.

A Woman Bought Land to Save the View Across the River

When companies wanted to build an oil tank farm across the Potomac in the 1950s, a woman named Frances Payne Bolton bought nearly 500 acres on the other side of the river. She created one of America’s first land trusts.

Later, President Kennedy signed a law making Piscataway National Park, protecting the view forever. You can enjoy this same view from Washington’s porch today. The protected area now covers over 6,000 acres along the shoreline.

Visiting Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon sits just 15 miles south of Washington, D.C., right along the Potomac River. If you’re using GPS, plug in 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121.

Tickets and Tips:

• Adult tickets cost between $20-28 depending on when you visit

• Buy online at least three days ahead and save $2 per ticket

• Buy a full-price ticket in 2025 and you can come back as many times as you want for free all year

• Got an EBT card? Show it at the gate for special $2 admission

Mount Vernon welcomes visitors every day of the year from 9am-5pm, staying open later during summer months.