Mount Vernon near Alexandria in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Lower (Kitchen) Garden
"…as vegetable is the best part of our living in the country."
—Martha Washington, 1792
Before grocery store existed, most homes maintained kitchen gardens that provided the produce. Since the 1760s, Mount Vernon's kitchen garden has been continuously cultivated and today includes many of the same vegetables, fruits, and herb regularly used by the Washingtons. While this space was not intended to be ornamental, the gate on the bowling green allowed visitors to admire the terraced spaces with squares and rows of fruits and vegetables.
The kitchen garden was overseen by Mrs. Washington, and maintained by enslaved and hired gardeners. Mrs. Washington's domain included other areas close to the garden that played a role in the estate's food preparation and preservation. Meat was cured and stored in the smokehouse. In the Mansion's cellar, kitchen, and dining room food was preserved, prepared for meals, and finally served to the Washington family and their guests.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Agriculture • Colonial Era • Horticulture & Forestry • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1792.
Location. 38° 42.482′ N, 77° 5.234′ W.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Espaliers and Cordons (a few steps from this marker); Colonial Revival Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington's Vehicles (within shouting distance of this marker); Powel Coach (within shouting distance of this marker); Kitchen (within shouting distance of this marker); Dung Repository (within shouting distance of this marker); Wood That Looks Like Stone (within shouting distance of this marker); Gardener's House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 26, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 101 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 26, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
