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.
this page online
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); Botanical Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Riding Chair (within shouting distance of this marker); Kitchen (within shouting distance of this marker); Upper Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Espaliers and Cordons (within shouting distance of this marker); Lower (Kitchen) Garden (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 123 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
