Page 164 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Washington, DC

162  EX CURSIONS BEY OND W ASHINGT ON , DC

2 George Washington’s
Mount Vernon Estate

This country estate on the Potomac River was George
Washington’s home for 45 years. Built as a farmhouse by
his father, Augustine, Washington made many changes,
including adding the cupola and curving colonnades. The
house is furnished as it would have been during Washington’s
presidency (1789–97), and the 500-acre grounds still retain
aspects of Washington’s farm. The Ford Orientation Center and
Donald W. Reynolds Museum offer exhibits about the life of the Kitchen
first US president, including his military and presidential career. Set slightly apart from the
main house, the kitchen has
been completely restored.

. Mansion Tour
Visitors can see the study and the large
dining room, as well as Washington’s
bedroom and the bed in which he died.

Slave Quarters
Washington freed all his slaves in his
will. Reconstructed quarters show
their living conditions.
KEY
1 Overseer’s House
2 Coach House
3 Stable
4 The Lower Garden was used
for growing vegetables and berries.
The boxwood bushes surrounding . Upper Garden
it were planted in Washington’s time. The plants in this
colorful flower
5 The Bowling Green was added garden are known to
to the estate by George Washington. have grown here in
Washington’s time.

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