Alexandria -- Mount Vernon

The Washington title to Mount Vernon dates from the original land grant (known as Little Hunting Creek) of 1674 to John Washington. Augustine Washington acquired the property in 1726. The land was then deeded to his son, Lawrence, and renamed Mount Vernon in 1743. The title passed to George Washington, Lawrence's half brother, in 1761. The house and gardens were repeatedly changed over the course of ownership. The rectangular upper garden was established in 1763 to mirror the garden to the south, which was laid out in 1760. The design followed popular European landscape trends. As design trends changed from the formal to naturalistic, so, too, did Mount Vernon change. The upper garden was expanded and changed in 1785 to a shield shape. The gardens became pleasure gardens as well as utilitarian. After the estate was bought by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, restoration attempts began to bring the estate back to the time of George Washington. The Museum is open to the public. Persons associated with the property include: John Washington (former owner, 1674); Augustine Washington (former owner, 1726); Lawrence Washington (former owner, 1743); George Washington (former owner, 1761-1799); Bushrod Washington (former owner); John A. Washington, Jr. (former owner, ?-1858); and Mt. Vernon Ladies Association of the Union (owners, 1858-present).