Mount Vernon near Alexandria in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Fruit Garden
"For every acre…, an Apple tree of good grafted fruit is to be planted on the premises, in a regular orchard truly laid out in rows forty feet apart…Between w[hi]ch, (also in regular order) rows of peach trees…"
George Washington, February 1, 1796
George Washington established a fruit garden here shortly after the Revolutionary War. He filled it with apples, peaches, pears, cherries, and plums moved from his other gardens and acquired from neighbors and friends. The name "fruit garden" means that the fruit was intended for use in the kitchen rather than for cider-making or for food for livestock.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Horticulture & Forestry. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 1, 1796.
Location. 38° 42.428′ N, 77° 5.276′ 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. Fence and Ditch (within shouting distance of this marker);
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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 116 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 26, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
