History of the Wharf

History of the Wharf. . , In 18th-century America, riverside property was considered prime real estate, allowing owners to take advantage of transportation and trade opportunities. Located on the banks of the Potomac River, the wharf was an incredibly important part of George Washington's plantation operations at a time when roads were not always the easiest means of transportation. Not only were goods from abroad delivered here, but commodities produced at Mount Vernon were loaded onto boats and shipped to domestic and foreign markets., By the time the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association took possession of the estate, the condition of the existing wharf was such that a new structure had to be built in order to accommodate the increasing number of guests arriving by steamboat. Extending nearly 200 feet into the Potomac, the new wharf was designed by prominent engineer Montgomery C. Meigs and completed in 1860. Although better known for his role in the creation of Arlington National Cemetery and his service as quartermaster general for the Union army during the American Civil War (1861-1865), Meigs also served as the supervising engineer in charge of the U.S. Capitol dome's construction and built the Pension Building in Washington, D.C., which today houses the National Building Museum. Extensive renovations of the wharf took place in the late 19th century, and in 1991, the structure was further updated and rededicated. , (over flap:), What famous person accompanied Mabel Bishop, Regent of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, in the 1991 wharf rededication ceremony?, President George H.W. Bush, Queen Elizabeth II, Actor Nicolas Cage, or Governor Douglas Wilder?, (under flap:), Great Britain's Queen Elizabeth II came to Mount Vernon during a state visit. She had visited the estate once before, as Princess Elizabeth in November 1951, three months before she became Queen. Her son, Charles, Prince of Wales, visited Mount Vernon and inspected the wharf in March 2015.