Mount Vernon near Alexandria in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Old Vault
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 10, 2008
1. The Old Vault Marker
”The family vault at Mount Vernon requiring repairs and being improperly situated besides, I desire that a new one of Brick, and upon a larger Scale, may be built at the foot of what is commonly called the Vineyard Inclosure …”
The Last Will and Testament of George Washington, July 1799
George and Martha Washington along with twenty other family members were originally interred in the old vault. In accordance with his will, Washington directed the building of a new tomb. The Washingtons were removed to the New Tomb in 1831.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical year for this entry is 1799.
Location. 38° 42.366′ N, 77° 5.504′ W. Marker is near Alexandria, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It is in Mount Vernon. Marker can be reached from the intersection of George Washington Memorial Parkway and Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, on the right when traveling south. Marker is on the grounds of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria VA 22309, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Tomb of Washington (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Advantageous Fencing (about 400 feet away); Sunrise to Sunset
this page online
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. See the Old Vault and the New Tomb of George and Martha Washington.
Also see . . . George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. (Submitted on October 30, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 10, 2008
2. Marker at Mount Vernon
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 10, 2008
3. The Old Vault
George and Martha Washington were originally laid to rest in this vault. They remained here for over thirty years while a larger tomb was being constructed.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 10, 2008
4. New Tomb
George and Martha Washington were moved to this new tomb in 1831.
Internet Archive
5. The Old Vault at Mount Vernon
1858
1858
From The Home of Washington, or, Mount Vernon and Its Associations by Benson John Lossing, 1871, page 344.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,384 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 30, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 5. submitted on January 7, 2021, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.
