Washington died in the master bedroom at Mount Vernon on December 14, 1799. In his will, he directed that he be buried on his beloved Mount Vernon estate. He also selected a site for a new brick tomb to replace the original burial vault, which was deteriorating. The tomb was completed in 1831 and Washington's body was moved there along with the remains of his wife, Martha, and other family members.

Near the tomb on a wooded hill, the slave burial ground is marked by a memorial to honor African-American slaves who worked at Mount Vernon. This land was used as a cemetery for slaves and free blacks who worked for the Washington family during the 18th century and the first half of the 19th century. The graves are unmarked, and the identities and numbers of those buried there are largely unknown.

Tribute at the Tomb wreathlaying ceremonies take place at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. daily, April through October.

Slave Life at Mount Vernon tours start at the Mansion Circle at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m. daily, April through October.

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