Mount Vernon near Alexandria in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Dung Repository
"When I speak of a knowing Farmer, I mean one who understands the best course of Crops [ ] & above all, Midas like, one who can convert everything he touches into manure, as the first transmutation towards Gold."
George Washington to George William Fairfax, June 30, 1785
The "repository for dung" was designed to compost animal manure and a variety of organic materials to cure into fertilizer for use in the nearby gardens and orchards. This building illustrate George Washington's dedication to progressive farming techniques. The original 31-by-12-foot open-walled structure was built in 1787 and was reconstructed in 2001. Archaeologists revealed remnants of the brick foundation walls along with the virtually intact cobblestone floor, which have been incorporated into this reconstructed building. Washington's dung repository is the first known structure in the United States devoted to composting.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals • Horticulture & Forestry. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series
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Location. 38° 42.449′ N, 77° 5.213′ W. Marker is near Alexandria, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It is in Mount Vernon. It can be reached from George Washington Memorial Parkway east of Mount Vernon Memorial Highway (Virginia Route 235), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Alexandria VA 22309, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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: Washington's Vehicles (a few steps from this marker); Horses (a few steps
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 328 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 26, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
