MOUNT VERNON, Va. – In April 1781, while George Washington was fighting to save the colonies, the British were closing in on Mount Vernon. Lund Washington, who oversaw the Estate while Washington was at war, received a threat from the British – give in to the British demand for goods or Mount Vernon will be burned to the ground! On April 12 and 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., this dramatic scene will be re-enacted during the “Is Mount Vernon Burning?” program. Watch as the British land at Mount Vernon’s wharf and make their demands, listen to Mount Vernon’s slaves debate the choice to leave with the British, and visit a small encampment at the George Washington: Pioneer Farm site. Performances by Lund Washington, the enslaved, and General Benedict Arnold take place in the Greenhouse. Activities are included in Estate admission: $13 adults; $12 seniors; $6 children (6-11); free for children 5 & under.

Mount Vernon’s Wharf:

1:15 p.m. The British are coming! Watch British seamen land at Mount Vernon’s wharf and make their demands to Lund Washington.

Slave Cabin:

1:45 p.m. Listen to the interpretive performers debate the same choice Washington’s slaves had – stay at Mount Vernon or possibly earn their freedom with the British.

Greenhouse Presentations:

3:00 p.m. – Lund Washington discusses General Washington’s response to his cousin giving in to the British.

3:30 p.m. – The enslaved: two of Washington’s slaves recount their bids for freedom

4:00 p.m. – General Benedict Arnold discusses his experiences during the British Virginia Campaign of 1781 – an effort that tore up the Virginia countryside, leaving the British vulnerable in Yorktown and ready for a defeat.

George Washington: Pioneer Farm site:

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Visit a small encampment and learn about this pivotal weekend in Mount Vernon’s history.

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Events, programs, and activities are subject to change.

Public Information: 703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD); www.mountvernon.org

Since 1860, over 80 million visitors have made George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens the most popular historic home in America.  Through thought-provoking tours, entertaining events, and stimulating educational programs on the Estate and in classrooms across the nation, Mount Vernon strives to preserve George Washington’s place in history as “First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen.”  Mount Vernon is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, America’s oldest national preservation organization, founded in 1853.  A picturesque drive to the southern end of the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway, Mount Vernon is located just 16 miles from the nation’s capital. 

Hours of operation: April-August, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; March, September, October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; November – February, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Regular admission rates: adults, $13.00; senior citizens, $12.00; children age 6-11, when accompanied by an adult, $6.00; and children under age 5, FREE.  Admission fees, restaurant and retail proceeds, along with private donations, support the operation and restoration of Mount Vernon.