Mount Vernon in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Gardener's House
"I want a Man that will labour hard, knowing at the same time how to keep a Garden in good Order and Sow Seed in their proper Seasons in ground that he has prepared well "
George Washington's specifications for a gardener, November 22, 1771
This building first served as a slave hospital, then as a space for spinning wool, and finally as living quarters. William Spence, a young bachelor from Scotland, served as gardener at Mansion House Farm in 1799 and likely resided in this building. George Washington hired gardeners that had been trained in Europe and were skilled in cultivating the wide varieties of plants and seeds that he received from around the world. With the assistance of two or three enslaved gardeners. Spence oversaw the care of the upper and lower gardens as well as the orchards and greenhouse.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • 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 November 22, 1771.
Location. 38° 42.498′ N, 77° 5.186′ W. Marker is in Mount Vernon, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It can be reached from the intersection of Mount
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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, and in the Mid-Atlantic. 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: Welcome to Mount Vernon (here, next to this marker); Wood That Looks Like Stone (a few steps from this marker); Necessary (within shouting distance of this marker); Botanical Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Riding Chair (within shouting distance of this marker); Kitchen (within shouting distance of this marker); The Mount Vernon Ladies Association (within shouting distance of this marker); Exciting Discoveries (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mount Vernon.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 309 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
