Mount Vernon | Witnessing the Legendary Life of George Washington 🏛️

Located just an hour's drive from Washington D.C., Mount Vernon was the lifelong residence and final resting place of George Washington. Serving as a patriotic education base in the U.S., it attracts many elementary and secondary school students 🎒, though few Chinese tourists visit. Had the museums not been closed, it wouldn't have been on my itinerary—but exploring the homes of historical figures has always been a passion of mine. ❤️ Mount Vernon sits on a hill overlooking the Potomac River, spanning 8,000 acres (approximately 32 square kilometers). It's vast—I'd heard people say they spent a whole day here, and after visiting, I can confirm it's entirely possible. 🌳 Upon entering the estate, the most striking feature is a two-and-a-half-story Georgian-style building with a red roof and white walls—the former residence of George Washington, the founding father of the American Republic. The entire estate is nestled among lawns and woodlands, with a long porch outside the house offering sweeping views of the shimmering Potomac River 🌊. The river stretches over a kilometer wide, flanked by towering trees—a natural masterpiece. Isn't this the "face the ocean, spring blossoms" we often dream of? We joked that it's no wonder Washington wasn't obsessed with the presidency. 😄 At the entrance, the George Washington Museum displays items he used during his lifetime. In the main hall, a key 🗝️ from the Bastille in France hangs on the wall—a gift from Washington's friend, the Marquis de Lafayette, symbolizing "the emblem of freedom." The French even borrowed it back for the bicentennial of the French Revolution. Interestingly, many of the ceramics in Washington's home were marked as originating from Jingdezhen. 🏺 The tombs of Washington and his wife are also on the estate, built with red bricks, and visitors line up to pay their respects. 🙏 Admission to the estate costs $28, and I later realized this was considered a donation. The entire estate is managed by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, a private nonprofit dedicated to heritage preservation. Most of the guides are elderly volunteers. The mansion is under renovation, with only open to the public. It seems American repair isn't overly meticulous—after all, with only 250 years of history, there's no need to worry about matching historical materials or "repairing to look old." 👍 George Washington left behind a profound legacy. He declined two opportunities to become king 👑 and insisted on establishing a democratic system. He was elected president twice and refused a third term, choosing instead to retire to Mount Vernon, ensuring a peaceful transfer of power. His exemplary actions had a lasting impact on the development and stability of the American political system. 🇺🇸 #HistoricalSites #MountVernon #GeorgeWashington #MuseumExploration #TracesOfHistory