Mount Vernon in Alexandria in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Hemp
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, August 9, 2025
1. Hemp Marker
Inscription.
Hemp was one of the crops George Washington considered as a replacement for tobacco in the 1760s. At that time, England was paying a premium for American hemp. Although it did not become the profitable export crop Washington wanted, he continued growing hemp at Mount Vernon in support of various industrial needs on the estate. Hemp was used for rope, thread for sewing sacks, canvas, and for repairing the seine nets from England that were used at the fisheries. Washington's diaries and farm reports indicate that hemp grew at all five of his farms. , , The hemp Mount Vernon recently planted here is an industrial fiber variety. Under the 2015 Industrial Hemp Law enacted by the Virginia General Assembly, and working with the industrial hemp research program of the University of Virginia, Mount Vernon has reintroduced hemp to its fields in order to help better tell the story of Washington's role as a farmer.
Hemp was one of the crops George Washington considered as a replacement for tobacco in the 1760s. At that time, England was paying a premium for American hemp. Although it did not become the profitable export crop Washington wanted, he continued growing hemp at Mount Vernon in support of various industrial needs on the estate. Hemp was used for rope, thread for sewing sacks, canvas, and for repairing the seine nets from England that were used at the fisheries. Washington's diaries and farm reports indicate that hemp grew at all five of his farms.
The hemp Mount Vernon recently planted here is an industrial fiber variety. Under the 2015 Industrial Hemp Law enacted by the Virginia General Assembly, and working with the industrial hemp research program of the University of Virginia, Mount Vernon has reintroduced hemp to its fields in order to help better tell the story of Washington's role as a farmer.
Erected by George Washingtons Mount Vernon.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Agriculture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1765.
Location. 38° 42.301′ N, 77° 5.385′ W. Marker
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is in Alexandria, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It is in Mount Vernon. It is at the intersection of Mount Vernon Memorial Highway (Virginia Route 235) and George Washington Memorial Parkway, on the right when traveling east on Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. Located on the grounds of George Washingtons Mount Vernon Estate. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon VA 22121, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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: Punt (here, next to this marker); Batteau Design
Credits. This page was last revised on August 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 18, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 111 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on August 18, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
