Mount Vernon

September 12, 2010

Mount Vernon

What a beautiful place George Washington had!  It sits on the banks of the Potomac River with  gardens and trails surrounding it.  The house has been restored to reflect what it would have looked like in 1799 based on a inventory taken at the time of his death.  We toured the house and surrounding outbuildings that were used by his slaves in the management of his household.  We were also able to walk to his tomb which holds the body of George and Martha Washington.  There are other family members buried on the grounds as well.  George Washington was quite a man.

Tomb of George & Martha Washington

We had lunch at the food court there and went through the museum.  George Washington's false teeth were on display but before we got to them in the exhibit, the power went out.  We were able to see them as we left but without the lights on, it was difficult.

From Mount Vernon we went to the Iwo Jima Memorial, or the Marine Corps Memorial as it is also known.  It was so moving to look at that statue and imagine those men and the pride they felt as they raised that flag on the island of Iwo Jima.  While we were there a group of Marines in their dress uniform came to the statue.  They were there to have their picture taken in front of the statue.  What a beautiful sight it was.

Iwo Jima Memorial

Jefferson Memorial

From there, we went to the Jefferson Memorial as that was the last one for us to see.  There was a lot of construction going on.  The have to shir up the seawall as the memorial is sinking.  It was still impressive and something we have  looked forward to seeing.  This was the last thing we really wanted to see in Washington D.C. and will travel down to Monticello tomorrow to see Jefferson's estate.  Can't wait to see it!  Cheers!