George Washington Visits Mount Vernon

For the first time after taking command of the Continental Army in 1775, Gen. George Washington arrived back to his home in Mount Vernon on 9 September 1781. He had been away for six years and four months. One can only imagine his feelings as he surveyed his home for the first time in so long. He only stayed three days before he was back with his army.

Very few accounts remain for us to recreate what Washington’s homecoming must have been like. Jonathan Trumbull Jr., Washington's Aide-de-camp, recorded, “A numerous family now present. All accommodated. An elegant seat and situation, great appearance of oppulence and real exhibitions of hospitality & princely entertainment.” Washington hosted his officers and some of the officers of his French allies in this brief respite before they devoted their days to making war again. The stress of command lay on him even as he inspected the changes that had been made to the home and plantation while he had been away. Enslaved Black men and women composed most of the work force for Mount Vernon.

https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/01-03-02-0007-0005