Dear Readers, I made another pilgrimage to an America 250 locale – Mt. Vernon. Famous home to George Washington, the father of our great country. It was a picture perfect weather day, and Rick joined me. We decided to forgo the house tour this visit, since we’d seen the interior several years ago. There were many other things on site to accomplish, and only about five hours in which to do so. With the ideal weather, we chose to focus on the outdoor portions of the estate.

The Washington family owned Mt. Vernon for several generations before George inherited it upon the passing of his older halfbrother (it’s actually a bit more complicated than that, but the synopsis will suffice for purposes of this column). George and his wife Martha loved their home and looked forward to returning there after his public life ended, to spend their golden years. Sadly, George died in December 1799, only two years after stepping down from the Presidency. Martha continued to call Mt. Vernon home until her death in 1802. The property remained in the Washington family, sadly declining into disrepair, until the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association rallied women from around the country to purchase it in 1860. Some very forward-thinking ladies – we owe them a huge debt of gratitude!

A new movie about General (not President) Washington had just opened in the museum/visitor center, and we really enjoyed it. The movie struck the right balance between factual information and entertainment, and was a “4D” experience – complete with seat movements, lights accentuating the battles shown on film, and a snowstorm during the Valley Forge scenes. It was a hit both with us and children in the audience. I was most amazed by my chair turning colder as the snow fell. Such a fun surprise!

Speaking of children, we saw dozens of classroom groups (and buses…soooo many buses!). Mt. Vernon is a good field trip for local schools! The students didn’t adversely affect us at all, but just be prepared for the possibility if you visit during the school year. Also, the Mt. Vernon website doesn’t warn you that construction is occurring on the home (another reason we decided to skip the house tour). Seems like it should have been completed for the 250th celebration, but I’m sure they are trying to wrap it up.

Once again I was able to listen to and converse with actor portrayers, of Martha Washington and Tobias Lear (personal secretary to George Washington). Both were very good – actually Martha was excellent – and we enjoyed them very much. Just by chance we had a private audience with Martha and it was like chatting with a longtime friend, so very enjoyable! I will venture my opinion that George himself should be speaking at Mt. Vernon. Similar to how Thomas Jefferson speaks practically daily at Monticello. But alas, Mr. Washington is rarely present.

We did walk all the way down to the boat dock and back up, twice. It’s a bit of a haul, but worth it to be up close and personal with the Potomac River. And it’s hard to beat the panoramic view of the Potomac from the east side of the home, up on the bluff. Simply breathtaking and the sunrise must be spectacular.

Twice each day there is a wreath-laying ceremony at the tomb of George and Martha, and we participated in that. Rick was selected to lay the wreath, and I was selected to read a letter President Washington wrote to Governors. It was wonderful to be able to pay tribute to the man who was overwhelmingly selected to be our first president. No one else was even in the running! George was intelligent, although not formally educated, and he felt this was a shortcoming since so many of his contemporaries had University booklearning. But he was wise and had life experience. As President, George surrounded himself with learned individuals and listened carefully to differing points of view, before rendering decisions. Not a perfect man, but truly an amazing one.

All in all, another fun thing to do, to celebrate America’s semiquincentennial. Thanks for reading along with my adventures!

Laura lives in Zion Crossroads with her husband and two cats. She can be reached at hallielaura@gmail.com.