“As It Was Originally Laid Out by the General”: George Washington and His Upper Garden

The upper garden was a prominent feature of Mount Vernon’s 18th-century landscape, and it remains an important part of the visitor experience today. This walled garden, with its geometric and well-ordered appearance, provides a counterpoint to the naturalistic, albeit carefully designed, landscape that encompasses George Washington’s home. Over time, successive generations reflected their idealized George Washington within the increasingly romanticized upper garden. This article combines the archaeological record with visitor accounts to trace the evolution of the upper garden and explore how images of Washington have been reflected upon this space.