Mount Vernon
Home of George Washington, chopping down the cherry tree. All of those good things come to mind. Nestled against the Potomac in Fairfax County, Northern Virginia, this is a site not to be missed during a tour of DC.
Although I enjoyed Monticello more, Mount Vernon is a treat. As you explore the grounds you will see prime examples of trees native to the area and wildlife in its finest state. You will learn that Washington, like Jefferson, was a pioneer in agricultural methods.
You must see the family graveyard. Ask someone where 'Ms. Conrad' is buried. On her capstone is written the following powerful tribute:
"If the possession of every virtue that adorns or dignifies her sex could have warded off the stroke of death, she would have been immortal & those who mourn her untimely end are consoled by the reflection that those Virtues seemed better to fit her for the abode to which her spirit has fled than for that which it has abandoned."
Many more such reflections are on the tombs of Washington's anscestors.
|
|
| The grounds (Virginians do NOT have 'yards') are immaculate, the trees perfectly trimmed. | When you visit Mt. Vernon it's a good idea to get here early. That's just part of the line at 10:00am! |
|
|
| View of the awesome Potomac River from the back side of Mount Vernon. | A shot from the side of Mt. Vernon facing the Potomac River, or as the locals say, the rivuh. |
|
|
| "Herein lies George Washington" | The tomb of George Washington |
