Mount Vernon PlantationWhen George Washington lived here, Mount Vernon was an 8,000-acre plantation divided into five farms. Each farm was a complete unit, with its own overseers, work force of slaves, livestock, equipment, and buildings. The farm where Washington and his family lived was called the "Mansion House Farm." This is the part of the plantation that visitors see today.

Today the Mansion has been restored to its appearance in 1799, the last year of Washington's life.

Mount Vernon Plantation

George Washington played many different roles in the founding of our nation: Commander in Chief of the Revolutionary Army, first President, and leader of the Constitutional Convention to name but a few. And it is in these roles that we think of him today. However, if you were to ask him to describe his most important occupation, he would say quite simply that he was a farmer. 

Mount Vernon Plantation

How many acres of land surround Mount Vernon?

There are over 8,000 acres that surround Mount Vernon and the Plantation.

Mount Vernon Plantation

Explain why the kitchen is built as a separate building away from the house?

So the rest of the house wouldn’t catch fire.

Mount Vernon Plantation

George Washington was born in what state?

George Washington was born in the state of Virginia

Arlington National Cemetery

Click Here: Arlington: Field of Honor Video

Arlington National Cemetery, located across the Potomac River from Washington, DC in Arlington, VA, has become the final resting place for thousands of Americans who were killed in war or who died while in the service of our country.

Arlington National Cemetery

List four of the famous individuals (other than the Kennedy’s) who are buried at Arlington?

a. President William H. Taft

b. 7 Challenger astronauts

c. William Rehnquist

d. Robert E. Peary

Arlington National Cemetery

When and why did it become a cemetery?

*1864

*Civil War causalities were too much for existing burial grounds, so it was proposed that property was taken from Robert E. Lee

Arlington National Cemetery

What are the requirements for burial in Arlington National Cemetery (besides dying)?

The requirements for burial at Arlington National Cemetery includes an individual must be a retired military line with at least 21 years of services, and who died in the line of duty.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The Unknown Soldier is an unidentified wartime casualty who has, since World War I, been memorialized as a representative of all “who died in their nation’s

service.”

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Describe the actions of the guard watching the tomb:

The guard watching the tomb continuously marches 21 steps, waits 21 seconds, then marches back for 21 steps, and waits an additional 21 seconds.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Describe the procedure of changing the guard:

The new guard is inspected, orders are then transferred, and the old guard marches off.

National ArchivesClick Here: National Archives Video

In the National Archives in Washington, DC, visitors can view the most important documents in our nation’s history.

National Archives

Describe how important documents such as The Constitution or the Magna Carta are preserved and kept from deteriorating:

The documents such as The Constitution are in the Exhibition Hall that is enclosed in glass and bronze cases that contain only helium and a measured amount of water vapor. They are also lowered into a vault each night.

National Archives

List four documents other than The Constitution that are located at The National Archives:

a. Declaration of Independence

b. Magna Carta

c. Bill of Rights

d. Emancipation Proclamation