Historic Mount Vernon to Launch New Civil War Walking Tour on April 2

Mount Vernon, VA – Historic Mount Vernon invites visitors to experience a unique side of Civil War history at George Washington’s home through a new walking tour, Mount Vernon in the Civil War, beginning April 2. Explore historic locations and listen to dramatic Civil War stories – from the life-risking efforts of the estate’s earliest caretakers to battlefield cannon fire rumbling the Mansion!  The Mount Vernon in the Civil War one-hour walking tour takes place on Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. through October 30. These special tours are limited in capacity and cost $5 in addition to Estate admission: $15 adults; $7 children (6-11); free for children 5 & under.  Please visit www.MountVernon.org for more information.

“Many people think of Mount Vernon as a site that was active exclusively during the 18th century,” said Melissa Wood, media relations manager for Historic Mount Vernon. “Through this new tour, our visitors will discover more about the fascinating, yet relatively unknown, events that occurred at George Washington’s home during the Civil War.”

The Mount Vernon in the Civil War tour also covers the changing role of African Americans on the estate, views on George Washington from the perspective of Union and Confederate supporters, and the interesting Washington-Robert E. Lee connection.

The Washington family sold George Washington’s home to the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, the country’s first historic preservation organization, in 1858.  Just weeks into the war, Union troops stormed nearby Alexandria and moved within four miles of Mount Vernon. At the same time Confederate forces were closing in from the south.  Records show that many soldiers, from the Confederacy and Union, visited the estate during this turbulent time in history. The estate was considered one of the few neutral locations during the war thanks to efforts of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association.

Events, programs, and activities are subject to change.

Public Information: 703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD); www.MountVernon.org

Since 1860, over 80 million visitors have made George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens the most popular historic home in America.  Through thought-provoking tours, entertaining events, and stimulating educational programs on the Estate and in classrooms across the nation, Mount Vernon strives to preserve George Washington’s place in history as “First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen.”  Mount Vernon is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, America’s oldest national preservation organization, founded in 1853.  A picturesque drive to the southern end of the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway, Mount Vernon is located just 16 miles from the nation’s capital. 

Hours of operation: April-August, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; March, September, October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; November – February, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Regular admission rates: adults, $15.00; senior citizens, $14.00; children age 6-11, when accompanied by an adult, $7.00; and children under age 5, FREE.  Admission fees, restaurant and retail proceeds, along with private donations, support the operation and restoration of Mount Vernon