Mount Vernon Model

MOUNT VERNON
OUTSIDE ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA, BUILT MID–1700S
BUILDER: GEORGE WASHINGTON
This plantation house became a national icon because it was home to George Washington’s family. With views of the Potomac, Mount Vernon was built in England’s Georgian style. Instead of using stone blocks, Washington chose a readily available material—wood—and by adding sand to white paint, imitated stone’s texture. Service buildings and pathways for slaves and servants were, like those at most estates, separate from those used by family and guests.