The Enslaved of Washington at Mount Vernon | History Traveler Episode 122

History is complex. The reason that history is complex is because people are complex. That includes the history of some of our great leaders, like George Washington. In this episode, we're diving into the story of the enslaved people who lived at Mount Vernon.

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[Wreckdiver]

This part of our history can be a sensitive subject and seems to be even more so lately. You covered it with the respect and thoughtfulness it deserves.

[mike]

Thank you brother for taking the time to acknowledge the enslaved at Mount Vernon! I was impressed when I visited years ago that the museum in particular addressed this issue upfront with their exhibits

[volleyguy]

I believe you once said that you are a Highschool History teacher. I would have loved to have you as my history teacher. Granted, I was rebellious at that age and didn't start caring or respecting history until many, many years later. I still think I would have been drawn to the way you tell history with such passion. Thanks for sharing all your travels with us. Truly an amazing channel.

[nicolelee]

As someone who has major physical limitations and not get around...I’m incredibly thankful for all of these videos! These are incredible! The Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln are especially great as I’m related to Mary Todd! So thank you! thank you!

[brendaparker]

Very well done! It makes me proud to do what I do there at Mount Vernon. When we know better we must do better.

[howarddavis]

My wife and I visited My. Vernon a few years ago. One fascinating place. George Washington was genius in the layout and function of this estate. This visit was definitely on my bucket list. Loved all the history, all of it. The slave cemetery is definitely was an emotional experience. I would HIGHLY recommend everyone visit and learn what is and was never taught on school about our history!

[timothymcknight]

Thanks again for a fantastic video, JD! You are always respectful about touchy subjects. Our history is our history. We own it, good or bad. Should not be forgotten, so we do not make the same mistakes again. But history does repeat itself, if the lesson is not learned!Thanks, again, JD!

[mikequinlan]

Great video, it is important to keep these stories alive.

[tennesse_courier]

History is just that history. Not how things should have been. Or how we wanted it to be. But history of how it was really was. Excellent video, I always learn something on the videos.

[erickacooper]

I have always loved history. We should never forget the past or try to erase history. If you forget or try to erase it, it will just repeat itself.

[evedauer-wong]

I appreciated the two episodes both with their different and thoughtful approaches.

[heathermariesmith]

Love knowing that there are other History nerds who find these videos so interesting. I love learning the way they live, talked, values, food all of it . IDK Why people think I’m so weird and say these videos ( not your in particular just history in general) are boring !!! Love it!!!

[kathygreen]

Wow. I am really enjoying your episodes on History Traveler. Especially #122 about George Washington. You are very respectful with your views and very informative. Watching your episodes sometimes reminds me of the Ken Burns documentary on the Civil War. Thank Canadian Gal

[retaylor]

Thank you for your thoughtful coverage of Mount Vernon.

[virginiastirnweis.]

Well done!! I appreciate your sensitivity towards the enslaved people and acknowledgement that we can’t change history and it shouldn’t be erased as we should learn from it.

[TacoTot]

Not to take away from your excellent take on the enslaved people at Mt. Vernon (which thank you for doing a video on that aspect of Mt. Vernon), but when you showed the fingerprints of the slave on the brick used to reconstruct the greenhouse, it reminded that the last time I was at Mt. Vernon, I was shown that there are initials of Civil War soldiers from both sides of the war etched into some of the bricks on the front facing side of Washington's current tomb (not the original tomb).

[jamescollins]

Thank-you history underground for another great episode. This story is sad and very true & this is why history should not be forgotten or dismissed by any means. It's important people know the truth about all our backgrounds.

[philliphathaway]

Well done covering such a sensitive topic. This place is amazing telling the whole story.

[cocteaut]

New viewer. Thoroughly enjoying your engaging, enthralling, educational and entertaining historical videos. Places I will most likely never get the chance to visit, but thanks to your hard work, I can see the story of America take shape. Ireland here.

[mikenixon]

I truly appreciate how you include all persons involved in the historic places you cover. Thank you for your work. The research and behind the scenes efforts we do not see. Keep traveling.