An Illustrated Handbook of Mount Vernon, the Home of Washington

This illustrated guide invites listeners to walk the grounds of Mount Vernon, the Virginia estate that shaped George Washington’s private life. Beginning with the 1674 land grant that birthed the 5,000‑acre tract, the narrative follows its passage from John Washington to Lawrence Washington, and finally to the future president, who expanded it to nearly 8,000 acres. Along the way, the book reveals how the original furnishings were scattered after Washington’s death and how successive owners left their subtle marks on the mansion’s interior.

The story then turns to the remarkable effort of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, formed in the 1850s to rescue the property from sale. Through a nationwide fundraising campaign, women secured the core acreage, later enlarged by generous gifts, and embarked on a careful restoration that blends period authenticity with discreet modern comforts—hidden heating, low‑voltage lighting, and fire‑safety systems. Listeners will gain insight into the ongoing challenges of preserving a historic home while keeping it accessible to the public.