Happy Birthday George Washington!
Celebrations of George Washington’s birthday date back to the Revolutionary War when soldiers at Valley Forge gathered to wish their Commander-in-Chief a happy 46th birthday. More celebrations followed, including the 1781 celebration by French troops, ordered by the Comte de Rochambeau in Newport, Rhode Island.
Here at Mount Vernon we have been celebrating the General’s birth with free admission to the Estate since 1942 when the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association welcomed nearly 4,000 visitors, many of whom were soldiers serving in World War II. This past Monday we welcomed just over 12,500 visitors who toured the Mansion and outbuildings, participated in a wreath laying at Washington’s Tomb, visited the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center. They also took part in birthday festivities on the bowling green including a demonstration in 18th century battle tactics by the United States Army’s Commander in Chief’s Guard as well as visits with people from Washington’s world, including Martha Washington and Nelly Custis.
Zerah Jakub and Danie Schallom
Education Outreach and Leadership Programs
