Things to DoWhere to EatHours & DirectionsFrequently Asked QuestionsAccessibilityGroup ReservationsWashington, D.C. Metro Area
Plan Your Visit
Discover the Home of George and Martha Washington
Open 365 days a year, Mount Vernon is located just 15 miles south of Washington DC.
The Estate
There's So Much to See
From the mansion to lush gardens and grounds, intriguing museum galleries, immersive programs, and the distillery and gristmill. Spend the day with us!
YouthFrench & Indian WarRevolutionary WarConstitutionFirst PresidentMartha WashingtonSlaveryNative AmericansReligionFamily
George Washington
Farmer, Soldier, Statesman, and Husband
Discover what made Washington "first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen".
Preservation
Did You Know?
The Mount Vernon Ladies Association has been maintaining the Mount Vernon Estate since they acquired it from the Washington family in 1858.
Teachers
Ace Your American History Class
Need help with homework? Our Digital Encyclopedia has all of the answers students and teachers need.
Washington Library
The Library of the First President
The Washington Library is open to all researchers and scholars, by appointment only.
In 1776, Continental Congress issued the Declaration of Independence while George Washington led his Continental Army to defend New York City from a British attack.
Siege of Boston
April 19, 1775 - March 17, 1776
General Washington launched a successful attack in Boston which resulted in over 11,000 redcoats and hundreds of Loyalists fleeing the city.
New York Campaign
August 1776 - November 1776
Because of New York City’s strategic location and status as an important port, the military campaign for New York had been in the minds of both the British and the Americans even prior to the Siege of Boston.
Crossing the Delaware River
December 25, 1776
With the Continental Army threatening to dissolve around him, General George Washington led the remnants of his army across the icy Delaware River on Christmas night 1776.
The Trenton-Princeton Campaign
December 1776 - January 1777
General George Washington led the remnants of his army to victory at the Battles of Second Trenton and Princeton, securing Washington's place as one of the greatest generals in world history.
The Revolutionary War
Washington's Revolutionary War Battles
While there were over 230 skirmishes and battles fought during the American Revolution, these are the battles where General Washington personally secured his legacy as "First in War."
The Declaration of Independence
The Continental Congress voted for independence on July 2, 1776. Two days later on July 4, a declaration explaining the reasons for independence, largely written byThomas Jefferson, had also been adopted.
General Washington received official notification when a letter dated July 6 arrived fromJohn Hanco*ck, the president of the Continental Congress, along with a copy of the declaration to be read to theContinental Armyon July 9.
Did George Washington Sign the Declaration of Independence?
The answer is no... but why not? Find out in this short video.
