Mount Vernon - The New Room
In addition to fighting the Revolutionary War as The Chief Commander of The American Army against the British Empire, George Washington kept a very close eye on what was going on at Mount Vernon in Virginia. Washington designed much of the room that was called the New Room at Mount Vernon. A cousin named, Lund Washington managed the Estate while Washington was away at leading the nation during the fighting . Washington communicated with the builder, and his overseer by letter. By 1779 the building addition was dried in.
The centerpiece of the room was provided by the wealthy fellow plantation owner, Samuel Vaughn, who corresponded with Washington regularly about furniture, and the styles of the day available from Europe. Washington desired to impress his guests; they were many and frequent, with a room that would rival the estates of Europe.
Italian Marble fireplace given to Washington by Samuel Vaughn
So what was the purpose of the New Room? Well for one it balanced out the home with the new wing, but it was a versatile room also. It could accommodate large dinner parties of which there were many per year, as well as Washington’s art gallery. It could be used for gatherings of gentlemen, and to entertain family and friends. It was two stories tall with an ornamental ceiling and heavy moldings. It was designed to impress.
A couple of photos of the ceiling and rich moldings.
the hooks above were to hold a painting being restored loaned by a private collector
These photos are just as you enter the building on the Tour.
I asked were these the actual handles that Washington used to enter the home but the tour guide couldn’t say for sure. Later in the tour on the stairway I took like ten photos of the railing because I wanted to touch something that Washington actually touched.
The final function of the New Room was a rather solemn one. Washington died after developing a cold that worsened and basically asphyxiation was the cause of death. He is said to have been terrified of being buried alive, and stipulated that his body lie in state for three days before burial in the New Room.
Reproduction of George Washington’s casket.
The museum has been updated and should be a part of your visit.
The museum has been updated and should be a part of your visit.
I recommend that you plan your visit to Mount Vernon in advance. I went on a Sunday, and it was extremely crowded. I have better luck with visiting venues on Monday Tuesday. Also, it is my understanding that the grounds are under a major renovation and I believe that the New Room is closed until September. Afterwards I believe they are closing the other parts of the home for renovations.