Mount Vernon near Alexandria in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Fence and Ditch

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 25, 2021

1. Fence and Ditch Marker

Inscription.

"…there is nothing I more ardently desire; nor indeed is there any more essential to my permanent interest, than raising of live fences on proper Ditches or banks."
—George Washington to Overseers at Mount Vernon, July 14, 1792

Washington attempted to replace his expensive wood fences with "live" fences — hedges so dense that they would turn away all animals, from the smallest rabbit to the largest deer. Despite his repeated directions to plant the banks of ditches with fast growing locust and willow, he never succeeded in fully protecting his garden with "live" fences.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals • Architecture. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 14, 1792.

Location. 38° 42.447′ N, 77° 5.262′ W. Marker is near Alexandria, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It is in Mount Vernon. Marker 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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Fruit Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Powel Coach

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Washington's Vehicles (within shouting distance of this marker); Nursery Beds (within shouting distance of this marker); Espaliers and Cordons (within shouting distance of this marker); Dung Repository (within shouting distance of this marker); Seed Beds (within shouting distance of this marker); Colonial Revival Garden (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.

Additional keywords. landscape architecture

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 25, 2021

2. Fence and Ditch Marker

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 149 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 26, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.