Mt. Vernon

Today we took the Metro and then a bus to George and Martha Washington’s Plantation at Mt Vernon, overlooking the Potomac River.

What a beautiful working historical museum. We arrived early and beat the crowds. The weather was perfect for walking several miles around the plantation. I think we saw it all. If we didn’t it wasn’t from lack of effort.

While this is a working historical plantation, the history displays inside the museum and the visitor center focuses on George and Martha’s life.

Photos aren’t allowed inside the mansion so I was limited to mostly outbuildings and views. There are 6 or 7 theaters that provide nice historical views of their life.

I got up close and personal with the General in his tomb. I, along with another veteran were asked to enter the tomb and place a wreath between the sarcophagus’ of the Washingtons. The wreath can be seen in this photo. Behind the black door to the rear are another 20 or so family members.

This is a chair cart that was commonly used in this area and time to move easily about the plantation. It was horse drawn.

The grounds are beautifully kept and abound with flowers, shrubs and trees.General Washington experimented with a number of plants and farming experiments. He saw himself first and foremost as a farmer. The plantation includes 4 separate farms also.

These photos are from the river farm.

The eight sided barn on the right is an experimental thrashing barn that was used to separate the wheat from the straw. Wheat, by the way, was the main cash crop grown here on this plantation.

This is a reproduction of a slave cabin. Those working this farm lived here. Others lived near the main house and on the other farms.

Well our time here in Washington D.C. has almost come to an end. We fly out early tomorrow morning to return home. This has been one of the best (if not restful) vacations we've had. We both agree that we need a few more days to see all that we wanted to see. The weather has been great. We had a couple of days that were too hot but we spent them inside museums so we didn't notice much. Alexandria is a pretty town with plenty of history right out our front door. We found the area clean, friendly and not expensive as we had feared. Most of the museums were free and food costs were generally less than we pay in Portland, including restaurants. The Metro is an excellent and inexpensive public transportation system that connects pretty well with the bus system. All in all we like it!