GEORGE WASHINGTON'S MOUNT VERNON: George Washington & Slavery

GEORGE WASHINGTON'S MOUNT VERNON

George Washington, Slavery, and the Enslaved Community at Mount Vernon In her new book, Mount Vernon research historian Mary Thompson tells the story of the day-to-day lives of Mount Vernon's enslaved workers. Read our interview with the author. READ INTERVIEW Book Giveaway: Enter your email address for a chance to win Mary Thompson's book. The winners will be notified on February 10.

VIDEO

George Washington's "Only Unavoidable Subject of Regret" Watch Mary Thompson discuss what her decades of research have uncovered about the enslaved community at Mount Vernon. WATCH VIDEO You can also listen to a two-part podcast interview with Mary Thompson: LISTEN TO PART 1 LISTEN TO PART 2

DID YOU KNOW?

In 1781, seventeen enslaved individuals tried to liberate themselves from Mount Vernon by escaping to the Savage, a British warship that was anchored in the Potomac River near Mount Vernon. READ MORE

The north lane next to the greenhouse slave quarters, circa 1930 Greenhouse Slave Quarters In 1791 and 1792, one-story wings were added to each end of Washington's greenhouse. The wings were designed to accommodate the enslaved workers who lived at the Mansion House Farm. READ MORE

TIMELINE

Slavery in the United States Learn about the legal and social events that impacted individuals, enslaved and free, from the founding of the nation to the Civil War. EXPLORE THE TIMELINE

LEARN MORE AT MOUNT VERNON

Visit our museum exhibit, Lives Bound Together, to read about the personal stories of those who were enslaved at Mount Vernon and see more than 350 items on display. Take our free Enslaved People of Mount Vernon tour to learn about the daily lives of the enslaved people who built and operated Mount Vernon.

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