Learn the story behind the Mansion's iconic symbol of peace.
In the summer of 1787, even as he was busy presiding over the heated debates of the Constitutional Convention, George Washington’s mind often turned from his task in Philadelphia back to his beloved Mount Vernon and the expected continuation of his retirement.
During the brief period between the American Revolution and the Constitutional Convention, he had finally been able to complete his grand design for both his home and the surrounding landscape. But the project needed a finishing touch.
While in Philadelphia, Washington wrote to house carpenter Joseph Rakestraw, requesting that the craftsman create a weathervane to add to the top of the cupola.
“I should like to have a bird (in place of the Vain) with an olive branch in its Mouth—the bird need not be large (for I do not expect that it will traverse with the wind and therefore may receive the real shape of a bird, with spread wings).”
- George Washington to Joseph Rakestraw, July 20, 1787
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The weathervane that Rakestraw provided took the form of a gilded dove with a black painted beak holding a green olive branch, evoking ancient Greek and biblical symbols for peace.
The installation of the weathervane represented a fitting conclusion to Washington’s landscape design. It has reminded all subsequent guests to the estate that, at the end of the Revolution, the general who freed the American people returned home in peace to concentrate on improving his estate rather than taking the reins of power—a modern Cincinnatus.
Did You Know?
To protect the 1787 dove of peace weathervane, it has been moved to the Donald W. Reynolds Museum, although the original lightning rod, directional letters, and golden ball remain on the Mansion.
Explore Further
Dove of Peave
The Shops
Explore the weathervane-related items available for purchase at The Shops at Mount Vernon at Mount Vernon.
