Mount Vernon in Alexandria in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Horses
George Washingtons Mount Vernon Estate
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, August 9, 2025
1. Horses Marker
"Nelson...carried the General almost always during the [American Revolution."
Robert Hunter, Jr., 1785
In November of 1785, George Washington wrote a detailed account of the 21 horses at Mount Vernon, with most designated for pulling Washington's chariot, wagons, and carts. While work was the primary use for his horses, Washington also rode for recreation. Mrs. Washington's grandson, Washy, commented that before the War of Independence, Washington and guests went fox hunting up to three times a week. Blueskin and Nelson were two horses Washington rode during the war, with Nelson being famously calm in battle. Both horses earned a happy retirement to the fields for their service after the Revolution. During the Presidency, Washington toured every state of the young nation, entering cities on an impressive white charger named Prescott. Today, Mount Vernon has draft horses that pull wagons, plow, and harrow the fields.
Erected by George Washingtons Mount Vernon.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Animals. A significant historical year for this entry is 1785.
Location. 38° 42.454′ N, 77° 5.223′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It is in Mount Vernon. It is at the intersection of
this page online
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: Washington's Vehicles (here, next to this marker); Peter Hardiman and Family (a few steps from this marker); Powel Coach (a few steps from this marker); Dung Repository (a few steps from this marker); Espaliers and Cordons (within shouting distance of this marker); Lower (Kitchen) Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Exciting Discoveries (within shouting distance of this marker); The Mount Vernon Ladies Association (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
Also see . . .
1. Horses - George Washington. (Submitted on August 19, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Stables | George Washingtons Mount Vernon. (Submitted on August 19, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, August 9, 2025
2. Horses Marker
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, August 9, 2025
3. Stables Interior (Stalls)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 19, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 130 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 19, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
