George Washington’s Life at Mount Vernon

George Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis, a wealthy 26-year-old widow, on January 6, 1759. They were a couple well suited for each other and made their home at Mount Vernon. Washington managed the estate with his customary zeal and energy, rising early every morning and working the land six days a week, leaving Sunday for church and entertaining friends. As was typical on plantations, enslaved people performed most of the work at Mount Vernon. Washington was opposed to the institution of slavery but did not free his slaves until he died, granting them their freedom in his will, the only founding father to do so.

Tom Hand, creator and publisher of Americana Corner, discusses George Washington’s life at Mount Vernon, and why it still matters today.

Photo Credits:
Museums at Washington and Lee University
Library of Congress
The Walters Art Museum
Mount Vernon Ladies Association
Mount Vernon
Encyclopedia Virginia

[lindatownsend]

Thank you for providing your learning community and school children with personal background information on George Washington. Interesting trivia-he named his cat Hamilton!

[markherron]

George Washington and his wife Martha Washington ARE BLACK 🖤 Blessings and Hugs

[NeTxGrl]

He also left his slaves money in his will.

[errolllewis]

Slave didn't do most of the work they did all the work