Mount Vernon near Alexandria in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Wood That Looks Like Stone
The Mansion, constructed of wood, appears to be made of stone; an effect called rustication. The pine siding boards were cut and beveled to resemble stone blocks. After paint was applied to the boards, sand was thrown onto their wet surface to create a stone-like texture. In addition to making the Mansion appear more substantial and extensive, the sand-painted surface wore well and protected the wood siding boards.
The warm buff color of the Mansion today replicates its appearance after the last round of sand painting ordered by Washington in 1796. He instructed his farm manager, James Anderson, to use crushed sandstone from the nearby Aquia Creek, instead of the lighter colored Chesapeake Bay beach sand that was previously applied. In 2011, Mount Vernon staff reintroduced off-white paint and Aquia sand, consistent with 18th-century practice.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Natural Resources. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1796.
Location. 38° 42.503′ N, 77° 5.191′ W.
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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: Gardener's House (a few steps from this marker); Welcome to Mount Vernon (a few steps from this marker); Necessary (a few steps from this marker);
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 322 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
