Mount Vernon near Alexandria in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
George Washington
Conservationist
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 25, 2021
The forest around George Washington's home has been preserved and protected since the last quarter of the 18th century, beginning with Washington himself.
A working plantation made great demands on the surrounding forest, as wood was needed for many things. To avoid sacrificing additional forests for fields, Washington experimented to enhance the fertility of the land he was already farming.
Always maintaining his woodlands, he kept his forested land relatively clear by using fallen timber for firewood and fence rails. In fact, it was Washington's goal to create living fences that would not have to be replaced.
"…that by entwining them as they grow up I may have a substitute for the fences that are now there… first, because it is indispensably necessary to save timber and labour; and secondly, because it is ornamental to the Farm, and reputable to the Farmer."
—George Washington, October, 1792
"The idea of getting rails [for fences] out of the dead, and decaying timber, I much approve, for the waste which has been committed on my Timber and Wood hitherto, has really been shameful."
—George Washington, February 1794
What product was wood not used for on the plantation in Washington's time?
Wood was Not used for railroad ties
Railroads, as we know them today, were not in the vicinity of Mount Vernon in the 18th century.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Horticulture & Forestry • Natural Resources. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1794.
Location. 38° 42.473′ N, 77° 5.429′ W. Marker is near Alexandria, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It is in Mount Vernon. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Mount Vernon Memorial Highway (Virginia Route 235) and George Washington Memorial Highway, 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. Native Americans (within shouting distance of this marker); Creatures in the Forest (within shouting distance of this marker); Domestic Animals (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington's Trees (within shouting distance of this marker); Other Useful Resources (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Slave Cabin (about 300 feet away); George Washington's Forest (about 400 feet away); Sunrise to Sunset (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 25, 2021
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 25, 2021
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 112 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.