The Home & Estate of George Washington | History Traveler Episode 121

Of the leaders that the United States has had throughout its history, few loom larger than George Washington. We had the opportunity to visit the home of George Washington at Mt. Vernon. While people may typically associate Mt. Vernon with the mansion, it is so much more. In this and the next two episodes, we'll be exploring what life was like for the people who lived at this iconic location on the Potomac River.

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[TexanTrump]

Brother, you are living my dream. All my life I have cherished presidential history and yearned to see Mount Vernon as well as the colonies. Unfortunately my time has seemingly run out. I was diagnosed 3 weeks ago with Lung Cancer and will not be able to afford to travel from Texas to the east coast. As heartbroken as I am, I am truly blessed to be able to watch your videos. At 37 years old I didn’t expect to have to let go of these dreams but just to be able to see the awesome history that you bring to us is almost just as good. Thank you for all you do. As a true patriot and direct descendant of Gen. W.T. Sherman, American History will live on in my heart and in the hearts of my children. God bless you brother.

[whatyoumakeofit]

After the war, George Washington gave my great grandfather something like a couple thousand acres. This was a gift to him for letting general George Washington use my grandfather's farm, home, tavern, inn and other amenities for Washington and his soldiers during the war. My grandfather nurtured the land into a small town known as New Antrum, now known as Suffern New York. I have a picture with George Washington, sitting at My great grandfather's Inn., on Washington's lap is my great grandfather's son George Washington Suffern, also my grandfather.
Pretty cool stuff. This is all documented at the Suffern museum in Suffern New York.

[lynnann]

So glad you talked about the trees. Thirty-six years ago while on a visit there with my then 3 year old son, I explained to him that George Washington planted this tree. He gazed at the girth and height of the tree and said, “Wow! He must have been really strong!” It’s such a beautiful place.

[cards]

As an elementary school teacher I had taught Social Studies and ‘simplified’ American history. I’d seen pictures of Mt. Vernon in textbooks, and other sources. But when I got to visit there I was just overcome with the thrill of actually standing on that long porch, looking at the Potomac River.
After his military career and 8 years as president I just imagined how it felt for this great man to sit in quiet, enjoying the beauty and peace of that setting.
He was finally, and permanently home.

[tommycoe]

I went there two days after Christmas in 1977. It was about 20 degrees F, and there were no other tourists. At that time, there were no plexiglass windows and I was able, with encouragement from the two ladies in charge, climbed up the steps to the Coppola, and walk into the bedroom and stand at the foot of the bed where George Washington passed away. When I went back in 1998, a lot of the areas I got to explore in 77, were no longer accessible to the public. Keep up the great work. Your YouTube channel is my number one channel to check for new content.

[cindyk]

What gave me the most chills inside the home was when I held the railing on the staircase as I climbed. Touching something so ordinary yet historic, knowing I followed so many other just stirred me so deeply!!!

[ladyofthelakecreations]

I love it that you appreciate how powerful it is to stand in a place that is significant to history. It can be overwhelming. I don't think a lot of people experience that feeling.

[kitwalker]

Worked there as a teenager around 1973 as a groundskeeper - any Navy ship passing would stop and ring their bell a few
Times

[jparker]

My 10th Great Grandfather, Lawson Parker, was Washington's neighbor and is mentioned by Washington in his daily journals, along with my 10th Great Grandmother Dorcas Parker. I love envisioning them visiting this property.

[daudizk]

I was about 8 or 9 years old when My Dad was a diplomat....an envoy based at the Ugandan Embassy in Washington DC.
I visited Mount Vernon in 1971 on a class tour, with a Mr Krantz as our class teacher in Silver Springs Intermediate School.
I have never forgotten the experience. It was a farm setting and I recall being shown a sow whose roots went way back to a time when the president was living there. I also saw his bed!!
I cherish the memory.

[jrsimeon]

"The power of the people is something to be respected" - can you tell that to the politicians in DC today?

[Tellius]

A few years ago I Stopped here to just take an hour or so to visit the grounds and I end up staying about three hours. I also was blessed to be chosen to be one of the two people to lay a wreath on Washington’s tune. It was so moving, and I could not believe I was given the honor after answering the question correctly may I add. I got even a greater appreciation after I read Ron Chernow’s biography on Washington… And amazing mean if you haven’t taken of it. Keep on doing what you’re doing and keeping the faith, my friend.

[frances]

In 1950 I visited here with my 8th grade graduating class. My biggest memory, running down the lawn towards the water and how pretty it was. Also, I think (but not sure) our guide told of the origins of 'hush puppies'...leftover corn bread tossed to the dogs to 'hush' them. thank you for the beautiful film and history! NM USA

[dawndickson]

I had rather be on my farm than emperor of the world... George Washington. My favorite quote. Having grown up on a dairy farm in Pennsylvania I completely understand what Washington meant. So many fond memories of the farm. Thank you for sharing! Outstanding video. God Bless.

[s.h.]

I'm so glad to have stumbled on to this clip of George Washington home.
We visited there back in the year of 2000. Mt. Vernon is full of the rich history of our first President life and home.. Thank you for sharing this.. this tour was quite refreshing. ❤❤❤

[cjoseygirl]

I was blessed to go with my grandsons sixth grade class. I want to go back when I can take my time. Absolutely beautiful place.

[michaejackson]

When I was still flying in airlines, I flew into Reagan National often. Whenever we approached from the S we had a great view of Mt. Vernon. The view is spectacular!

[jenniferhorton]

It is a beautiful and fascinating place to visit. The 2 story threshing barn was designed by Washington. The distillery/mill up the road has been restored and operating, too. Great American history.

[erinmalone]

I visited Mount Vernon when I was 5 and still remember how impressive it was. I’m 45 now. The D.C. area museums blew my young mind. To this day I love museums and history.

[seashepherds]

I have stood on ancient ground from one end of the globe to the other and in all manner of dwelling therein. Each place held a sense of awe and wonder at the feel of a staircase tread to the touch of a door knob. There is nothing like the ancient to make us all one in one time- a homecoming.