GEORGE WASHINGTON'S MOUNT VERNON ESTATE & GARDENS

This is the most visited historical house in the country, and for good reason, it is the former home of the first President of the United States, George Washington. Originally, it was his father who had this tobacco plantation built in 1734 on a hill overlooking the Potomac. A few years later, George Washington moved there with his wife Martha. Between his military career and his presidential terms, he returned to Mount Vernon and lived there until his death. During these many years, George Washington transformed the plantation considerably. He undertook a first series of extensions in 1750, then a new one in the 1770s. But his most successful project was certainly the creation of a distillery. He thus became one of the largest, if not the largest, whisky distiller in the country.

When the former president died, several generations of Washington inherited the plantation but incomes ran out and the house began to deteriorate. Fortunately, it was saved from certain decay by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, a philanthropic organization that recognized its historical potential and decided to acquire it. During the Civil War, the residence, considered neutral, was occupied by both the Union and Confederate armies. After that, it was restored. In 1960, Mount Vernon was designated as a National Historic Landmark and later listed in the National Register of Historic Sites. Since its opening to the public, the property has received millions of visitors.

A detail, and not the least, will surely appeal to French visitors: the keys of the Bastille are enthroned in the central hall. A gift sent to George Washington by the Marquis de Lafayette to express his friendship with him. A relationship that began with the American revolution, during which France helped the young 13 colonies, allowing them to gain independence from the British crown and which later seemed to go beyond the framework of good political understanding to lead to a sincere friendly relationship. French heads of state have always been welcomed with pomp and circumstance, including Charles de Gaulle, Nicolas Sarkozy and, more recently, Emmanuel Macron.

The residence has kept its original furniture and personal effects of the ^first President of the United States. A brick tomb contains the remains of Washington and his family. A Museum and Education Center includes 23 galleries and theatres recounting the life of the president. And a farm (still in operation) traces the agricultural experiences of the owner. There is also a distillery that processed cereals into whisky (only open to visitors between April and October). In the centre of the visit, a 20-minute film recounts George Washington's life. Tobacco plantations are also accessible.

The Mansion. The visit of the house is probably the most popular. Most of Mount Vernon's rooms have been restored to their original state to allow you to immerse yourself in the days when George and Martha Washington lived there. You can admire George Washington's office, two dining rooms (the largest known as the "new room"), living rooms, the kitchen and some bedrooms.

Garden and landscape. Don't miss the superb gardens, including the orchards of Lower and Upper gardens, the tropical structure of Green House or the botanical garden where George Washington grew plants from all over the world.

The tombs. George Washington wanted to be buried at Mount Vernon. He planned, in this sense, the construction after his death of a new brick tomb to replace the old one that had fallen into ruins. His family members were thus moved to rest with him in their final resting place. A peaceful and wooded site where visitors can come to pay tribute to the "Father" of the United States and the first "First Lady".

Pioneer Farm. George Washington's farm was testing new agricultural practices, which were considered progressive at the time. Today, visitors have the opportunity to learn more about the living and working conditions of farmers at the time.

Distillery and Gristmill. Located a few kilometres from the main entrance, do not miss a visit to the distillery and mill where George Washington produced his own whisky (which in 1799 was the largest distillery in the country) and his own flour.

Museum. The museum and its 23 galleries showcase the life of George Washington and his family through a film, short films, posters, nearly 700 objects and various interactive exhibitions.