A National
Historic Landmark, George Washington's estate and gardens, Mount Vernon,
is set on 40 acres of land. It was Washington's home from 1747 until
his death in 1799. The house was built in 1743 by Lawrence Washington,
George Washington's brother. George Washington inherited it in 1754. The
structure was enlarged several times between 1759 and 1787. Mount
Vernon also contains wide lawns, and fine gardens. The estate was purchased
in 1860 by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association, who serve as its permanent
caretakers. The mansion has been restored, with much of the original
furniture, family relics, and duplicate pieces of the period based upon
Washington's detailed notes.