Wednesday December 17, 2008
George Washington Slept Here
George Washington's family roots are deep in the Washington, DC, area. While the most well-known is Mount Vernon, his family home is south of DC in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and is open to the public. Many other sites lay claim to a Washington connection. Today's transportation choices make it an easy drive to visit most of the sites, but it's important to remember that during Washington's lifetime in the 18th century, it could take several days to make a trip that today takes just minutes.
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(703) 549-2997 121 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 10am-4pm Tuesday-Saturday; 12-4pm Sunday; closed Mondays Admission charged |
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This historic 18th-century Palladian-style mansion, located in Alexandria, was built in the 1750s. George Washington was a frequent overnight guest at Carlyle House. It served as the initial headquarters for Major-General Edward Braddock during the French and Indian War. It operated as a hotel during the mid 1800s, and was occupied by Union forces during the Civil War. |
Ferry Farm (George Washington's home) |
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George Washington's family roots are deep in historic Fredericksburg. He lived on Ferry Farm from six years old to about 19 when he moved to Mount Vernon. |
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134 N. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 838-4242 November-March: 11am-4pm, Wednesday-Saturday; Sunday 1-4pm; closed Mondays and Tuesdays April-October: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday and Monday 1-5 pm; closed January 1, Thanksgiving, December 25 Admission charged |
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Visitors will get a “slice of life” picture of what life was like for everyday early Americans. The Gadsby’s Tavern Museum consists of two buildings, a 1785 tavern and the 1792 City Hotel. George Washington’s Birthnight Ball and an inaugural banquet for Thomas Jefferson were held at the location, which is now a National Historic Landmark in Old Town Alexandria. |
Kenmore Plantation (Family home of George Washington's sister) |
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This Georgian mansion, built in the 1770s by Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis, George Washington's sister, is famous for its ornate plasterwork ceilings. |
Mount Vernon (George Washington's home) |
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Home and final resting place of America's 1st President, George Washington. During the time that Washington lived here (more than 45 years), Mount Vernon was an 8,000-acre plantation, which was divided into five farms; each was a complete unit. The farm where Washington and his family lived was called the "Mansion House Farm," and is the part of the plantation that we refer to today as "Mount Vernon." Washington inherited the property from his older half-brother, who named the property in honor of his commanding officer, Admiral Edward Vernon of the British navy. |
