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Historic house · Alexandria, Virginia
George Washington's Mount Vernon
Property of George Washington on the banks of the Potomac River, south of Alexandria, with the main house, gardens, service buildings, the tomb of George and Martha Washington, and the cemetery of the enslaved people who worked there.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About George Washington's Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon was George Washington’s home for more than 45 years. The estate sits in Fairfax County on the banks of the Potomac River, about 11 km south of downtown Alexandria. Since 1858 it has been owned by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, which bought the house to preserve it and keeps it open to the public.
The main house, with its columned riverside veranda, is visited on an interior guided tour. Surrounding it are the gardens, the kitchen, the stables and other service buildings, a museum, and an exhibition center about Washington’s life. The tomb where George and Martha Washington have been buried since 1831 lies along a path by the river.
The visit also tells the story of the hundreds of enslaved people who lived and worked on the estate, with reconstructed slave quarters and the cemetery where they were buried. The Mount Vernon Trail, about 27 km long, connects the estate to Arlington along the Potomac shoreline, passing through Alexandria.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 3 hours to half a day.
Best time
April to June and September to October, when temperatures are pleasant for the gardens; mornings are best to arrive before tour groups.
How to get there
About 11 km south of Old Town Alexandria via the George Washington Memorial Parkway. There are buses from the Huntington metro station and, in season, boats from Alexandria; by bike via the Mount Vernon Trail.
Tip
Buy a timed-entry ticket for the main house in advance, especially on holidays and weekends.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about George Washington's Mount Vernon
What is Mount Vernon?
The estate where George Washington lived, on the banks of the Potomac River south of Alexandria, with his house, gardens, and the tomb of George and Martha Washington.
How to get from Alexandria to Mount Vernon?
By car via the George Washington Memorial Parkway, by bus from Huntington metro station, by bike via the Mount Vernon Trail, or in season by boat.
How long does it take to visit Mount Vernon?
Allow at least three hours; with museums and gardens, half a day.