Mount Vernon near Alexandria in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Slavery at Mount Vernon
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, January 13, 2018
1. Slavery at Mount Vernon Marker
In 1799, this estate was home to a community of 317 enslaved men, women, and children who had no choice but to live here. Most of these enslaved people lived and worked on the four outlying farms as rural laborers. About one quarter of the population worked here on Mansion House Farm as skilled laborers, such as blacksmiths, carpenters, spinners, and seamstresses. In his will, Washington provided for the freedom of the 123 individuals he owned, effective upon Mrs. Washington's death. She freed them early, on January 1, 1801. The remaining 194 people, whether dower or rented slaves, remained enslaved after the deaths of General and Mrs. Washington.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: African Americans. A significant historical date for this entry is January 1, 1801.
Location. 38° 42.403′ N, 77° 5.331′ W. Marker is near Alexandria, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It is in Mount Vernon. It can be reached from the intersection of Mount Vernon Memorial Highway (Route 235) and Mount Vernon Memorial Parkway. This marker is on the grounds of Mount Vernon. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3200 Mount
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in the Mid-Atlantic, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: African-American Burial Ground (within shouting distance of this marker); Archaeology of the African-American Burial Ground (within shouting distance of this marker); Slave Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Who Lies Buried Here? (within shouting distance of this marker); Forest (within shouting distance of this marker); In Memory of the Many Faithful Colored Servants of the Washington Family (within
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, January 13, 2018
2. Slavery at Mount Vernon Marker
on the path from Washington's Tomb at the gate of the slave cemetery.
More about this marker. This marker replaces an earlier marker also called Slavery at Mount Vernon which was located where the "Slave Memorial" marker is now located.
Also see . . . Slavery. George Washington's Mount Vernon. URL mentioned on marker. (Submitted on January 17, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.)
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, January 13, 2018
3. Slavery at Mount Vernon Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 364 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 17, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
