Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
5. STUDY
This study was the setting for Washington's commercial, political, and public work.
French sculptor Jean Antoine Houdon came to Mount Vernon in 1785 to make a
plaster cast of the general's head. The resulting bust is on display in the Donald W.
Reynolds Museum on the estate.
6. KITCHEN
Mrs Washington directed a staff of slaves in the kitchen, and at least two cooks'
names have survived, Nathan and Lucy. Much physical labor was required for cook-
ing - fuel and water had to be hauled in by hand.
View photo
7. LAFAYETTE BEDROOM
This guest bedroom, with its beautiful view of the Potomac, is one of five in the house
and is where the Marquis de Lafayette, one of Washington's military aides and a
lifelong friend, stayed when visiting.
8. NELLY CUSTIS ROOM
Martha Washington's granddaughter, Nelly Custis, lived at Mount Vernon from early
childhood. This comfortable room was hers; she even stayed here for a short while
after she had married.
9. MASTER BEDROOM
Often called Mrs. Washington's Room, this is where George and Martha slept. Mrs.
Washington ordered the bed in the 1790s.
10. CUPOLA
The cupola, with its “dove-of-peace” weathervane, provides light to the third floor
and aids air circulation in summer.
