Explore the history of a mysterious artifact from Mount Vernon’s cellar.
One of the most intriguing artifacts tied to Mount Vernon’s storied past is a small yet fascinating sandstone tablet known as the “LW” stone. This enigmatic marker, now preserved in the museum at Mount Vernon, continues to captivate historians, archaeologists, and visitors alike. What exactly is it? Who carved it? And why does it bear such distinct, heraldic ornamentation?
While much about the LW stone remains a mystery, it has taken on new significance as part of Mount Vernon’s Mansion Revitalization Project, which includes efforts to replace the previous replica of this artifact with a more faithful reproduction crafted from sandstone.
The "LW" stone opens a unique window into Mount Vernon’s earliest days, long before George Washington inherited the estate. Its story continues to unfold as the Preservation team works to better understand and safeguard its place in history.
A Symbol of Lawrence Washington’s Legacy?
The stone, carved with the initials LW, a heart, and crossed halberds (a type of pole weapon), bears imagery that reflects 17th-century heraldic designs. Its exact origin and purpose remain uncertain, but it’s believed that the “LW” refers to Lawrence Washington, George Washington’s grandfather. Lawrence inherited the land in the late 1670s during Virginia's colonial settlement period. At the time, landowners were required to "seat" their property by planting crops (often tobacco) and constructing a house to secure ownership.
The LW stone may have been a cartouche stone—a decorative marker used to commemorate the early house built by Lawrence Washington on the property. While this structure no longer exists, it’s thought to have been located near Little Hunting Creek, close to the current estate grounds. The heraldic motifs on the stone parallel other decorative stones from the era, including one from the 17th-century Page House in Williamsburg, which features similar initials and ornamentation.
At some point, the LW stone found its way into the Mansion cellar, where George Washington, or perhaps his farm manager Lund Washington, had it set into the wall during renovations. Whether it was intended as a historical keepsake or simply repurposed remains unclear. The stone’s legacy has even made its way into popular culture—it made a cameo appearance in the 2007 film National Treasure: Book of Secrets as a key plot element tied to the Mansion's cellar.
Preserving (and Replicating) the LW Stone
The LW stone's journey is a fascinating tale of preservation and restoration. In 1909, then-resident superintendent Harrison H. Dodge removed the original sandstone tablet from the cellar wall and replaced it with a concrete replica. This decision was made to protect the fragile artifact.
Now, as part of the Mansion Revitalization Project, the concrete replica is being replaced with a more authentic reproduction. To craft the new replica, Mount Vernon enlisted Stephen Koch, a skilled stone carver from the American College of Building Arts (ACBA). Koch meticulously reproduced the LW stone using Aquia sandstone, a historically significant material sourced from Stafford County, Virginia. Aquia sandstone was widely used in colonial Virginia and prominently appears throughout the cellar. The new replica, which will be installed in the same location in the Mansion cellar, closely matches the original stone in material and craftsmanship.
Mount Vernon Superintendent Harrison H. Dodge poses with the "LW" ornamental stone, 1932. (MVLA)
Removal of Concrete Replica
Carving the Sandstone Replica
See the Original LW Stone Today
The original LW stone is on display at the museum exhibit Mount Vernon: The Story of an American Icon, where visitors can admire its craftsmanship up close. Meanwhile, the Aquia sandstone replica in the Mansion cellar ensures that this remarkable artifact remains part of the estate’s architectural story.
For those inspired by Mount Vernon’s unique history, both versions of the LW stone remind us of the enduring mysteries and legacies embedded in one of America’s most iconic landmarks.
A Mystery Worth Celebrating
While the stone’s precise role remains elusive, it serves as a tangible reminder of the Washington family’s deep roots in Virginia’s colonial past.
The LW stone invites speculation. Could it once have adorned the lost house of Lawrence Washington? Was it an intentional tribute by George Washington to his forebears? Or was it simply a piece of the past repurposed in the construction of the cellar wall? Whatever its purpose, the stone is a testament to Mount Vernon’s layered history—one shaped by generations of Washingtons before George.
An In-Depth Look
As Mount Vernon's Mansion Revitalization Project proceeds into 2026, take a deep dive into the various aspects—and unexpected discoveries—of this landmark preservation project.
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