Mount Vernon changing Washington's image

Free Lance Star ^ | 5/19/2006 | MICHAEL ZITZ

[Pharmboy]

Thanks for pointing out the inaccuracies.

I went to see The Patriot when it opened along with several Freepers, one of whom is a reenactor and also expert in the uniforms of the time. He said that they were pretty much perfect in the film, other than the uniforms that Tavington's (Tarleton's) dragoons wore. Their jackets were actually green during the Revolution, but the writer and director believed that the audience would be confused if the Brit's side were not "redcoats," so they changed them to red.

[Dr. Scarpetta]

"IN 1799, ON THE EVE OF A NEW CENTURY, George Washington died at his beloved Mount Vernon estate in Virginia. Over the next five decades the proud and stately mansion passed to a succession of familial owners for whom the financial responsibilities of upkeep were overwhelming.

By 1853, after failed attempts by Washington’s great-great nephew John A. Washington to sell the estate to the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia, the property had fallen into a state of severe DISREPAIR.

IN THAT YEAR, South Carolinian Ann Pamela Cunningham founded the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, and began an unprecedented national campaign to purchase Mount Vernon and preserve it as an icon of American history. The effort came to be regarded as the birth of the historic preservation movement in America. The Association garnered the support of important political, financial, and intellectual leaders, and was able to take possession of Washington's home in 1860.

WITH THE ESTATE IN POOR PHYSICAL CONDITION and nearly devoid of Washington family possessions, the Ladies organized themselves into committees to restore the mansion and grounds. The result was efficient grassroots fundraising, effective public relations, and a heightened awareness of the importance of historic preservation.

The Ladies’ ability to raise an astonishing amount of money to buy and restore Washington’s home inspired women across the country, and the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association became a model for other organizations that came into existence in the 19th century as the historic preservation movement gained momentum."

http://www.nbm.org/Exhibits/current/Mount_Vernon.html

[Zavien Doombringer]

Early accounts say that George was about 6'3" and 195lbs and was "very atheletic" (robust) in his youth, he was in his late 30's early 40's during the revolution. If you can't get a person with the same features you've lost the look...
Most Virgninians were taller and bigger, because of the hardy "stock" :)
You could tell the Virginian regiments aside from the others because of the size of the guys...

[Zavien Doombringer]

FAAARRRBEEEE it for me to complain...

You aren't a thread counter are you?

[Lancey Howard]

Washington the Warrior is being shown on the History Channel tomorrow night (Monday, May 29th) at 9:00PM and next Saturday (June 3rd) at 8:00PM. Great stuff. Please ping the list.

The George Washington we all know is larger than life, an icon of mythic proportions. But before becoming "Father" of his country, he was a soldier. This unique, in-depth portrait of the Washington we don't always think about begins in 1753, when the 21-year-old obtained an officer's commission in the Virginia militia. While serving alongside British regulars, did brash and sometimes reckless decisions help ignite the French and Indian War? Washington retired from the militia in 1758, but continued to hone his leadership skills. Managing his vast Mount Vernon estate required many of the same talents as commanding soldiers in the field. When America declared independence, Washington was the consensus choice to lead the Continental Army. This is the epic story of Washington's journey to greatness--propelled by intense, often painful, transformation. The man who emerged was a warrior of the purest sort...a man who preferred liberty to power and justice to glory.

[socal_parrot]

Montecito = Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson in Charlottesville, VA ...

Montecito, CA is where Oprah lives sometimes. I hear she has some pretty impressive halls and statues too. ;)

[caryatid]

Montecito, CA is where Oprah lives sometimes. I hear she has some pretty impressive halls and statues too. ;)

I am sure Monticello would envy Oprah's wealth. All places like Monticello, Mount Vernon, Colonial Williamsburg, Museum of the Confederacy [Richmond, VA] are in great need of infusions of money [donations] and paying tourists.

[socal_parrot]

I went to Mount Vernon a couple years ago and took the tour. The feeling of history was awsome. Next time I'm that area, I'm planning on going to Monticello.

[Pharmboy]

I look forward to watching this tomorrow night.

[Snickersnee]

The General is my Senior senior rater -- as he is of us all, unto this day.

[caryatid]

IMHO Mount Vernon is better. But, then, I have always been more attracted to Washington as a man of principle. Jefferson, who certainly had a great deal of talent, was too much of a dreamer and was utterly profligate.

Mount Vernon is, indeed, aweseome and we have been there many times. Washington's inclinations were those of the mother country. His taste was traditional and English. That is reflected in his home. It epitomizes America and the colonial traditions of Tidewater Virginia.

Jefferson's inclinations were for change from the traditional, such as abolition of primogeniture, and his taste was more exotic and foreign ... French. Monticello is not traditional and was located far from Tidewater. It was a disappointment and we never went back.

Chacun a son gout ... to each his own. One has only to look at voting patterns of the delegates to the Virginia Convention of 1787 [to ratify the Constitution] to comprehend the great disparity of thought between traditional Tidewater and the more rustic Piedmont.

If you are a great admirer of Jefferson you may be awestruck by his home ... which is certainly worth seeing and preserving. The setting is very pretty but lacks the grandeur of Mount Vernon's site on the Potomac.

If it were my choice I would return to Mount Vernon. One visit to Mount Vernon is not enough. If there is any possible way, you should go again.