Since the 1950s, the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association has worked to preserve George Washington's beloved Potomac River view.
A Long History of Preservation
The view from Mount Vernon became threatened by a plan to build an oil tank farm directly across the Potomac River from Mount Vernon in the 1950s. Vice Regent and Congresswoman Frances Payne Bolton ensured this did not happen.
Find Out How
Protecting the View for Decades
Since the first battle in the 1950s, there have been many others, as recently as 2018. However, the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association has been steadfast in its protection of the viewshed.
Explore the Timeline
Easements
Through the use of easements, dozens of properties have been protected from development.
Learn more
Preservation
The viewshed is only one part of Mount Vernon's preservation efforts. Every day, experts work to ensure the Mansion, outbuildings, objects, and more are protected for future generations.
Learn moreMount Vernon's View
This view inspired George Washington and continues to inspire tens of millions of guests.
George Washington's Mount Vernon on the Potomac River.
Guests enjoying the view across the Potomac River.
Dr. Doug Bradburn at the Save the View media event
MVLA Regent Sarah Coulson - Save the View event
A group of visitors taking pictures of the view from the piazza.
Vice Regent Francis Payne Bolton
The Dove of Peace weathervane atop Mount Vernon's cupola.
Guests looking at George Washington's beloved view.
Signing the Petition - Save the View
Visitor pointing out the view.
Mount Vernon's Wharf on the Potomac River.
"No estate in United America is more pleasantly situated than this…on one of the finest Rivers in the world."
- George Washington, 1793
Enjoy the ViewMount Vernon's Historic View
Since our first president, hundreds of leaders have enjoyed Mount Vernon's view.
President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania, French President Emmanuel Macron, and his wife Brigitte enjoy the iconic view with Mrs. Sarah Miller Couls...
President George W. Bush, First Lady Laura Bush, members of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, and guests during a President's Day ceremony in 2007...
First Lady Laura Bush and the Austin, Texas, Garden Club arrive on the piazza at Mount Vernon in 2001. (MVLA).
President George H. W. Bush and King Hussein of Jordan pose for pictures on Mount Vernon's iconic east lawn overlooking the Potomac River in 1989. (MV...
First Lady Rosalynn Carter hosts the wives of Latin American dignitaries on the piazza at Mount Vernon in 1977. (MVLA).
President John F. and Jacqueline Kennedy hosted a state dinner at Mount Vernon on the east lawn overlooking the Potomac River in honor of President Mo...
First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt on the piazza at Mount Vernon in May of 1933 with many Vice Regents of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association. (MVLA).
President Franklin Roosevelt looks out over the Potomac River as he delivers an address on April 14, 1939, in commemoration of the 150th anniversary o...
President Herbert Hoover addresses guests on the piazza at Mount Vernon at the bicentennial ceremony commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth ...
President William McKinley addresses visitors on the east lawn commemorating the centennial of George Washington's death. (MVLA).