Mount Vernon near Alexandria in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Slavery at Mount Vernon
Photographed By Don Morfe, April 23, 2000
1. Slavery at Mount Vernon Marker
“It is my Will and desire that all the Slaves which I hold in my own right shall receive their freedom.”
George Washington in his will, 1799
Of the 316 slaves at Mount Vernon in 1799, most lived and worked on the four outlying farms. About one of every four working slaves was a skilled worker such as a blacksmith, carpenter or shoemaker. The majority of women, worked in the fields, but some filled the position of spinner, weaver, cook, house servant, and seamstress. The 1799 figure reflects the expansion of the plantation since the time of George and Martha Washington’s wedding in 1759, when there were about 50 slaves at Mount Vernon.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1799.
Location. 38° 42.349′ N, 77° 5.329′ W. Marker is near Alexandria, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It is in Mount Vernon. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Mount Vernon Memorial Highway (Virginia Route 235) and George Washington Memorial Parkway, on the right when traveling
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Slave Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); In Memory of the Many Faithful Colored Servants of the Washington Family (within shouting distance of this marker); Mount Vernon's Slave Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Slave Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Visionary Farmer (within shouting distance of this marker); The Potomac Watershed (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); George Washington's Fisheries (about 300 feet away); Sundries Field (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
Also see . . . George Washington's Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association (Submitted on April 5, 2016.)
Photographed By Don Morfe, April 23, 2000
2. Slavery at Mount Vernon
Photographed By Richard E. Miller
3. Entrance to Slave Burial Ground
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 4, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 304 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 4, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 3. submitted on May 21, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
