Funky Connections to History: George's House

George Washington had dinner with the Fairfax family, on the hill top that we live on - in view of our windows, about a week before he died. For those not familiar with United States history, he was a General in the American Revolutionary War, and first President of the United States.  Mount Vernon, his home is about 8 miles south of us, overlooking the Potomac River. He was often in Alexandria, he built a small home there to stay in, when meetings in the city kept him late. He built rental property in the city. The founding fathers regularly met at Gadsby's Tavern (we hosted our wedding reception at Gadsby's) and other taverns nearby. His townhouse was closer to the taverns than it was to Christ Church Episcopal, where the family box still holds bears name. He most likely bought slaves at the markets in Alexandria. 

There is something almost spooky at times, in knowing that we walk the streets, well known to George and his colleagues, the people who drafted, debated, and approved the foundational documents of the country. 

A dozen or so times a year, I walk the grounds and gardens at Mount Vernon. Once or twice a year, I take the "mansion" tour. Standing in the places that he lived, worked, received guests, and the room that he died in. Martha, his widow, never slept in that room again after his death. 

Mount Vernon is a spectacular story of preservation. After Martha's death the estate passed through several owners and fell into disrepair. It was bought by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association just before the Civil War, with representatives from each of the states, it is owned and managed by the Association today. It is privately owned, and receives no government funding.  The house is completing a massive restoration and stabilization project that included major repairs to the foundations. All privately funded.  

Come by for a visit, feel the funky connections to history.  I have guest passes for Mount Vernon.