On Thanksgiving Day , I had the privilege of touring Mt. Vernon, the home of George & Martha Washington. He loved this place so much he wanted to be buried here. The family tomb is on the property. The original tomb was in need of repairs and in a spot that was improperly situated , according to George. He left instructions for a new one to be built, in his will. This family vault is a two marble sarcophagi containing Washington and the Consort of Washington ( in this case meaning wife* more about this word in other posts). This was completed in 1931, and their bodies along with other family members were moved to the new vault. . George died on December 14, 1799 from acute laryngitis, in his bedroom . Martha died May 22, 1802 from a severe fever ( 105.3) also in her bedroom .
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| Mt Vernon |
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| The Old Vault |
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| Sign on Path |
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| Inside vault : Martha is on the left & George on the right |
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| Inside with doors shut |
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| Close up of George's |
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| Martha's |
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''Within this Enclosure Rest the remains of Gen. George Washington"
On Top of Vault |
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| Surrounding the Family Vault is other members of the family |
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| Old 1800 photo of New Vault |
It was a serene moment viewing the tombs of the bodies of the first President of the Untied States, and his wife , and very interesting to see how they lived their lives together. The era in which they lived was such a different one from now. If you ever get the chance to tour Mt. Vernon, I highly recommend it you will not be disappointed. Later that evening I dined at a restaurant, whose ( historic) building was located on part of Washington's original farm, and ate Thanksgiving dinner. To say it was remarkable ( not only the food) and a great privilege to do so , one I will always remember.
I leave you with this :
Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear. - Anonymous
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