At Mount Vernon, former home of General George Washington, visitors are treated to a look not only at the man as President of the United States, but also as an entrepreneur and farmer. Farming was Washington's passion and even during his presidency he spent a great deal of time thinking about his plantation.
Washington had over 3000 acres of farmland on his estate. Today, a four acre plot dubbed Pioneer Farm has been set aside where employees continue to farm using 18th century methods, some of which were invented by the General himself!
Planting and Harvesting Crops
Following George Washington's crop rotation plan, interpreters plant the same crops he did in seven miniature fields. Visitors between April and October can see employees in authentic colonial costumes working the fields.
Crops like corn, wheat, flax, and tobacco are planted and maintained throughout the summer months. Visitors may even get to see interpreters pulling worms off of the tobacco, harvesting the wheat with large scythes or pulling up weeds.
Demonstrations of 18th Century Farm Life
Visitors can see harvest crops being put to use all summer long. Employees process harvested flax into linen thread and make brooms out of broom corn. In the early summer sheep are sheared and visitors can see their wool being dyed or spun.
After the Fourth of July the Sixteen-Sided Treading Barn, George Washington's invention, is put to use processing wheat. Visitors are invited inside to watch as horses separate the wheat grains from the stalks, just as they did over 200 years ago.
Animals on Pioneer Farm
Endangered Hog Island sheep spend their time on the farm where visitors can see and pet them. Chickens live in a coop near the reconstructed slave cabin. Other animals like mules, horses, and oxen sometimes make their way down to the farm to help plow the fields.
Located right on the Potomac River, the farm is also visited by geese and ducks. Lucky visitors may see wild turkeys pecking around after wheat. The farm is also no stranger to osprey and even bald eagles flying overhead.
Other Demos on Washington's Farm
Throughout the season different, non-farming demonstrations take place. Visitors can see interpreters churning butter, cooking and baking over an open fire, spinning and dying wool, and carving tool handles. There is even sometimes colonial dancing!
From time to time there are extra demos like paper-making, colonial games or horse-shoeing down on the farm. Visitors never know what they'll see! Some days a first-person interpreter portraying one of Washington's slaves comes down to the farm to talk about slave life on Mount Vernon.
Visit the Pioneer Farm Site
When visiting Mount Vernon be sure to swing by the farm. A nice walk past Washington's Tomb or a quick shuttle ride will drop visitors right at the bottom. Stop by the interpreter's shelter to find out what demonstrations are going on, learn about the farm, and ask any other questions that come to mind!
After a nice round of the farm walk up the Forest Trail to the main house. Visitors who include a trip to the farm won't be disappointed! Children are especially welcome on the farm and sometimes even get to help out in the fields or with demos!
Be sure to include a trip to the Gristmill and Distillery too!
Katie Ouderkirk - Katie Ouderkirk started working at a barn when she was ten. As the years went on she worked at a number of different barns, two zoos, and ...
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