Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
Located along the Potomac River in Virginia,
8 miles south of Alexandria, Virginia and
16 miles south of Washington, D.C.
at the end of the George Washington Memorial Parkway
Metro Stop: None within walking distance (Directions by Metro and Bus)

Mount Vernon was the home of our first President George Washington.  George Washington acquired the estate in 1754, when he was 22, and lived there until his death on December 14, 1799, at age 67. 

The property was originally owned by his father, Augustine Washington, who built a small farmhouse on the site about 1735.

During the years that Washington lived at Mount Vernon, he enlarged the home and designed the estate grounds and outbuildings.

Mount Vernon is also the final resting place for George Washington, his wife Martha, and other family members.  Washington died in the master bedroom at Mount Vernon on December 14, 1799.  He specified in his will that he was to be buried on the estate.  Tribute at the Tomb wreathlaying ceremonies take place at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. daily, April through October.

Since 1858, Mount Vernon has been owned and operated by a private non-profit organization, the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association.  Forty-five acres of the estate are open to the public.  Visitors can tour the mansion house and other outbuildings, including the slave quarters, kitchen, stables, and greenhouse, as well as stroll the grounds and gardens.  The mansion's piazza offers a spectacular view of the Potomac River.  Special events are offered throughout the year, such as wreath laying ceremonies that take place daily at 10:00 a.m. from April thru October at Washington's tomb.

Times of Operation

Mount Vernon is open 7 days a week, every day of the year, including Christmas Day and New Year's Day. 

April through August: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
March, September, and October: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  
November through February: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

General Public Tours

Admission fees are charged, except children age 5 and under are admitted free.

Congressional Reserved Tours Information

Mount Vernon Links

• Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens Website
• Mount Vernon Visitor's Information
• Accessibility Information
• Touring Tips
• Student Group Tours
• Virtual Mansion Tour

Places of Interest Nearby

• Mount Vernon Trail
• Fort Hunt Park

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