GEORGE WASHINGTON'S MOUNT VERNON: Celebrate July 4 with Lesser Known Stories of the Revolution

Why did George Washington Join the Revolution? George Washington played a pivotal role in securing America's independence from Great Britain. A close examination of some of Washington’s writings provides many clues as to why he was willing to risk everything for independence.

Heroes of the Revolution While history books tend to focus on prominent generals or politicians of the revolutionary era, American independence must also be attributed to all who contributed to the victory. It took the combined efforts of many to defeat Great Britain, including the support of the Oneida, the efforts of enslaved people including valet William Lee, and the talents of American spies.

Inoculation Helped Save the Revolution In the early years of the American Revolution, George Washington and the Continental Army faced an invisible killer: smallpox. Washington's decision to inoculate his troops against this disease turned out to be one of his best decisions of the war.

From Slavery to Freedom While the Declaration of Independence famously stated that "all men are created equal," the reality was that the declaration did not bring immediate freedom to those held in bondage. While the struggle for equality and freedom continued, some of Mount Vernon's enslaved individuals did eventually receive their freedom in 1801 as a result of George Washington's will.

Flag Flown at Mount Vernon on July 4 Own a United States flag flown at George Washington's estate on July 4. Includes a certificate of authenticity dated and signed by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association Regent. Please enter a note at checkout to request a flag flown on July 4 (while supplies last).

Plan Your Next Visit to Mount Vernon

Photo Cruise is Back We are pleased to announce that our photo cruise on the Potomac River is now being offered once again. The photo cruise is available Friday - Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Learn More Through My Eyes TourStep back in time and join people from Washington's world, like his personal secretary or enslaved chamber maid, as they go about their daily activities. This tour is offered at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Learn More

Mount Vernon is owned and maintained in trust for the people of the United States by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, a private, non-profit organization. We do not accept government funding and rely upon private contributions, admissions, and retail sales to help preserve George Washington’s home and legacy.

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George Washington's Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121 United States © 2020 George Washington's Mount Vernon. All rights reserved.