Mount Vernon

Where: Mount Vernon, VA
When: May 28, 1997
With: Class field trip

My first time to DC was on a good ol' fashioned East Coast field trip. 200 students, five buses, lots of chaperones, and general shenanigans that are mostly only funny to a bunch of awkward 14-year-olds on the verge of puberty and high school. Basically, this trip was the highlight of my middle school life. 

One of our first stops on the trip packed an excellent punch though, which is necessary to grab the attention of a bunch of tweens: the home of George Washington. Even the kid who falls asleep through every history lesson can appreciate who George is and what it means to be at his house. And I'll admit, I was surprised how big it was for how old it was. (PS - these pictures were taken on good old fashioned film).

What would a field trip be without group shots of the girls? This one is along Washington's hedges. Top row is Loren, Rachel, Christine, Christina, Jamie, and Suzannah. Bottom row is Christina and me. You may not be able to see it, but there's a lot of braces in those smiles. 

No photos were allowed inside the house, and I'll be honest, I don't remember too much (this begs a repeat visit) though the interior is pretty much how George left it. It was built by George's father in 1735, and when George acquired it in 1754, he added on and renovated it to the splendor that we see today. One of George's main goals of his renovations was to accommodate and entertain the large number of guests that were often passing through the doors, particularly after his presidency. As a result, there are several elegantly decorated bedrooms and a couple of huge parlor rooms featuring musical instruments for some killer parties. 

One of the biggest draws for the home is its placement on the Potomac River. During the steamy, hot DC summers, the breeze from the river provided a much needed respite, and as such, Washington built a beautiful back porch on which to enjoy the view and serve his guests tea. 

We definitely enjoyed laying in the grass in the sunshine. On a school day, no less!

And finally, what trip to a historic site is complete for middle schoolers without a visit to the gift shop? This felt so "authentic" wearing Revolutionary War hats in the Washington gift shop. Except Christine. Not sure what war she was fighting there. 

While lacking on the historical observations, we definitely could appreciate the beauty and impressiveness of Washington's home on the Potomac. While I do think a repeat visit would be welcome, I still had a blast while I was there!