In the late 18th century, the architects of the nation’s capital set the boundaries for the new city via a series of stones that were placed around its perimeter. Today 36 of the 40 stones that were set are still in place, most of them surrounded by small fences that were erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution at the turn of the century.
A group of volunteers spearheaded by the American Society of Civil Engineers set out to tidy up some of the stones and their fences. We tagged along.
George Washington may be on the dollar bill, but it doesn’t cost schools even a cent to get a free Rembrandt Peale Porthole Portrait of George Washington. Thanks to the kind support of generous donors, Mount Vernon has been giving away free framed portraits since 2007. All it takes for a school to receive its very own is a letter from a principal. After that the portrait, plus a flag flown at Mount Vernon and a George Washington celebration kit of suggested activities are shipped off to any school around the country. For more information or to download a letter for your principal to sign, see the portrait program web page.
On the 230th anniversary of General Washington and General Rochambeau’s pivotal visit to Mount Vernon after they dispatched their forces toward Yorktown, the estate held a commemorative program.
On Sunday Revolutionary troops camped at Mount Vernon and did drills, Martha Washington came out and chatted in all her finery, a painting commemorating the two generals’ meeting was unveiled, and Washington and Rochambeau gave speeches.
Most importantly, officials announced the new Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route, a 250-mile historical trail that stretches from Newport, R.I., to Virginia. The trail marks the route that U.S. and French allied troops took in the summer of 1781 as they marched from Newport, R.I., to the battle of Yorktown. As we know it hindsight, it was a route to victory.
It’s not easy for most people to get to Mount Vernon, so we’re bringing Mount Vernon to you. Our traveling exhibit, Discover the Real George Washington: New Views From Mount Vernon is touring the country. As of this post’s publication, the exhibit, which includes Washington’s dentures, a reproduction of Martha Washington’s wedding dress, and loads of other Washington artifacts, objects and information, is in Philadelphia at the National Constitution Center. Various staff members traveled to the City of Brotherly Love to check it out.
After September 5th, the exhibit is headed to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, where it will go on display October 15. Check out the full list of scheduled venues (while you’re on the website, be sure to visit our interactive timeline) and be sure to catch George Washington when he comes to your neighborhood.
Mount Vernon recently invited K-12 schools nationwide to request framed portraits of George Washington to display in a respectful, prominent place.
The response was overwhelming: thousands of schools submitted letters! Along with the portrait, schools received curriculum materials to help explore our first president’s contributions.
