Today was eventful on account of a drastic change in weather! We were surprised by a downpour of rain that lasted for the better part of the day. Our tickets were already purchased for Mount Vernon today, so to Mount Vernon we went. Unfortunately the rain made it challenging to experience the grounds as we originally intended, but we were able to spend some time outside and comb through the museum and educational center in detail.

Mount Vernon is a thoughtful tribute to our first president. The displays humanize Washington, and make him more than a portrait or a chapter in a history book or the face on the dollar bill. One of the exhibits that stood out to me discusses how scientists used forensics to figure out how to depict Washington’s appearance, since we do not have any visual representation of him besides portraits created at the time. There are three different sculptures of Washington in the museum at different ages – 19, 40 and 57. The video below shows a bit of information about this process.

George Washington’s face

The museum also focused on the qualities that made Washington an exceptional leader, such as his ability to lead by example. I learned all about Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War, which led to a pivotal turning point at the Battle of Trenton. After several months of defeat and surrender, Washington decided to pile his troops into boats and cross the river in the dead of winter in the middle of a blizzard from 11:00 pm until dawn. I was astounded to hear that Washington boarded the boat with his troops. According to the information provided by the museum, Washington inspired his troops because he lead by example. He fought with them on the battlegrounds from beginning to end.

I also learned more about Washington’s stance on slavery. As some others were at this time, Washington was conflicted. He grew up with slaves. Upon his father’s death, Washington inherited slaves at age 11. At one point, Mount Vernon housed over 300 enslaved people. Washington foresaw that slavery would tear the country apart. He knew that it was hypocritical for slavery to exist in a country founded on liberty. African American men fought alongside him in his army in the Revolutionary War. He wrote in his will that he wanted all of his slaves to be freed upon his wife Martha’s death. Instead, she freed the slaves after her husband died. I am conflicted upon learning more about Washington’s stance on slavery. There were several prominent historical figures who owned slaves yet spoke out against it, and it’s hard to get past the contradiction. Historical figures can be both brilliant, and flawed.

Lastly, the museum also featured information about Washington’s spy ring. I didn’t know much about this, so it was fun learning more. Below is a video that the museum also played.

Washington’s Spy Ring

While it was a bummer that we couldn’t spend more time outdoors touring Washington’s Mount Vernon, it was a pleasure to learn more about him. The exhibits piqued my curiosity – I just spent lots of time looking up youtube videos and reading more about General Washington.

And for fellow Hamilton fans, I couldn’t stop playing lyrics in my head throughout my time there, as many of these events are captured in the show: “Here comes the General!”

A new depiction of George Washington based on forensic science

A typical outfit and provisions provided to the enslaved

Ben Franklin’s famous illustration, considered the first political cartoon