Mount Vernon
One of the best parts of living in Virginia is being
surrounded by so much history, especially living close to Mount Vernon, home of
George Washington that sits alongside the Potomac River just south of Alexandria.
Every year I would visit Mount Vernon not just for the history that it contains,
but also for the hundreds of acres of orchards, gardens and landscaping that Mr.
Washington designed and planted over his lifetime. I never really felt close to
George Washington, until I learned that the very apartment, I was living in was
built on ground that was once owned by George Washington. In fact, back in the
1700’s majority of Fairfax County, Prince William County and part of Loudoun
County was actually owned and surveyed by George Washington.
The mansion that is now known as Mount Vernon was built by
George Washington’s father back in 1734. George expanded the house a few times
between 1750 and 1770’s. Unfortunately, under the care of successive
generations, this once beautiful home fell into decline. It wasn’t until 1858
that the local historical society took control of the property and the birth of
the Mount Vernon Ladies Association was born. This outstanding group of ladies
and local historical savers not only saved President Washington’s home and
land, but also a majority of the Washington Estate properties in the
surrounding area. The American Civil War caused many structures on the estate
to be destroyed or suffer damage. However, the ladies of the Mount Vernon
Ladies Association saw to it that Mount Vernon was restored to its original beauty
for future generations to enjoy and learn from. If you’re in the Northern
Virginia area and have the time, take a ride down Route 1 and spend the day at Mount
Vernon and be sure to check into the gift shop and help support this outstanding
piece of history.
Author Elizabeth Kilbride is a former
political operative, author, scriptwriter, historian, journalist. business
professional, and creative artist, and life coach consultant. Ms. Kilbride
holds a Masters in Criminology and a BS in Business Management who stepped out
of the loop for a while, but who is now back with a powerful opinion and voice
in the direction of this country and our economy. As a life coach, she is
available to counsel individuals to enjoy their dreams and a better life. Ms.
Kilbride loves to travel, photograph her surroundings and is also a gourmet
cook who loves to garden and preserve food for the winter months.
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