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

Slavery at Mount Vernon

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 13, 2018

1. Slavery at Mount Vernon Marker

Inscription. In 1799, this estate was home to a community of 317 enslaved men, women, and children who had no choice but to live here. Most of these enslaved people lived and worked on the four outlying farms as rural laborers. About one quarter of the population worked here on Mansion House Farm as skilled laborers, such as blacksmiths, carpenters, spinners, and seamstresses. In his will, Washington provided for the freedom of the 123 individuals he owned, effective upon Mrs. Washington's death. She freed them early, on January 1, 1801. The remaining 194 people, whether dower or rented slaves, remained enslaved after the deaths of General and Mrs. Washington.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: African Americans. A significant historical date for this entry is January 1, 1801.

Location. 38° 42.403′ N, 77° 5.331′ 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 (Route 235) and Mount Vernon Memorial Parkway. This marker is on the grounds of Mount Vernon. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria VA 22309, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Slave Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Forest (within shouting distance of this marker); In Memory of the Many Faithful Colored Servants of the Washington Family

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Mount Vernon's Slave Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Nursery Beds (within shouting distance of this marker); Slave Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Seed Beds (within shouting distance of this marker); Fruit Garden and Nursery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.

More about this marker. This marker replaces an earlier marker also called “Slavery at Mount Vernon” which was located where the "Slave Memorial" marker is now located.

Also see . . . Slavery. George Washington's Mount Vernon. URL mentioned on marker. (Submitted on January 17, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.)

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 13, 2018

2. Slavery at Mount Vernon Marker

on the path from Washington's Tomb at the gate of the slave cemetery.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 13, 2018

3. Slavery at Mount Vernon Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 200 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 17, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.