Washingtons Mount Vernon : Virginia

Mount Vernon was the plantation home of George Washington, first President of the United States. The estate is situated on the banks of the Potomac River in Virginia. The home was built in 1735 by George Washington’s father, Augustine, and received its well-known name during the ownership of his half-brother Lawrence. George acquired Mount Vernon in 1754, and over the next 45 years slowly enlarged the dwelling to create the now 21-room residence.

The home was constructed using wood, however they used a variety of techniques (paint and sand) to simulate the look of stone. Inside, Washington filled the home with rooms to entertain his many guests. These rooms include Washington’s study, two dining rooms (the larger known as the New Room), the West Parlour, the Front Parlour, the kitchen and multiple bedrooms. Over its lifetime, the house was home to thousands of guests; many whose stay ranged from hours to weeks.

The Unmarked Graves

Outside of the home lay the servant/slave/serf quarters where slaves lived and ate while they worked on the home. In fact, during its peak time, the grounds held 318 slaves. They helped to maintain the home and harvest the crops which included cotton, tobacco, and silk. Back within the forest on the property lies a slave memorial which honors the lives of all who suffered. The memorial is on sacred ground which was used back in the day as a cemetery for slaves and a few free blacks who perished. Due to graves that were either unmarked (or markings did not survive) it is unknown how many bodies are buried back in the forest. It hasn’t stopped people from hearing and seeing things. Visitors usually hear songs being sung near the memorial, although no one is present. Others see dark shadows moving in between trees before being tapped on the back with nobody behind them. The spirit is believed to be William Lee, George Washington’s personal servant.

Washington’s Mount Vernon Spirit

The other spirit is that of George Washington himself. On Thursday, December 12, 1799, Washington spent several hours working on the plantation in terrible conditions that included snow, hail and freezing rain. The following day, he awoke with a severe sore throat that became increasingly worse as the day progressed. All the available medical treatments failed to improve his condition, and he died at Mount Vernon at around 10pm on Saturday, December 14, 1799, aged 67. He was buried on the property in a small tomb, later to be moved at his wishes (from his will) on October 7, 1837, along with those of his wife, Martha, to a large more prominent tomb which can be seen today.

Washington’s ghost can be seen throughout the house, moving things and speaking to his guests. Being host to many people, it is said that his spirit still believes that he is welcoming guests and stirring conversation. There is also a dark shadow which can be seen in his bedroom where he passed. This dark shadow moves and is commonly seen out of the corners of visitors eyes. Washington’s nephew, Josiah Quincy III, spoke of this ghost; saying it was his uncle. While visiting in 1806, Quincy was allowed to stay in Washington’s previous bedroom. During the evening both Quincy and his father saw what they believed to be the spirit of Washington himself. They held true to their story until the day they died. As such, the spirit of Washington continues to live on.