Engleside in Mount Vernon in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Necessary

— George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate —

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, August 9, 2025

1. Necessary Marker

Inscription. A necessary was an outdoor privy, or toilet. Not only did it provide convenience, but the necessary also encouraged the centralized collection of human waste. The waste fell into large wooden drawers below the seats, which could easily be removed for proper disposal. The attractive design of the necessary exemplifies Washington's interest in architecture and his desire to create a unified appearance for buildings near the Mansion. This structure was rebuilt on the original site.

Erected by George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Colonial Era. In addition, it is included in the If You've Got to Go... series list.

Location. 38° 42.493′ N, 77° 5.202′ W. Marker is in Mount Vernon, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It is in Engleside. It can be reached from the intersection of Mount Vernon Memorial Highway (Virginia Route 235) and George Washington Memorial Highway, on the right when traveling east. Located on the grounds of George Washington’s 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

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of this marker: The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association (a few steps from this marker); Exciting Discoveries (a few steps from this marker); Wood That Looks Like Stone (a few steps from this marker); Gardener's House (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Mount Vernon (within shouting distance of this marker); Kitchen (within shouting distance of this marker); Riding Chair (within shouting distance of this marker); Botanical Garden (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mount Vernon.

Also see . . .
1. Necessary. (Submitted on August 19, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Archaeology Rediscoverers the “Old Necessary” | George Washington’s Mount Vernon. (Submitted on August 19, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, August 9, 2025

2. Necessary Marker

Necessary at Mount Vernon image. Click for full size.

Photographed by George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate

3. Necessary at Mount Vernon

Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 19, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 101 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 19, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.