Episode 183: Douglas Bradburn, George Washington’s Mount Vernon

by Holly WhiteApril 24, 2018

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George Washington played three very important public roles during his lifetime. He served as the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, the President of the Constitutional Convention, and as the first President of the United States.

In addition to these important public roles, Washington also played a role that was very important to him. He served as a farmer and agricultural innovator.

Douglas Bradburn, the CEO and President of George Washington’s Mount Vernon, joins us so we can explore the history of Washington’s storied estate and his agricultural practices. Plus, we’ll also discover all that Mount Vernon has to offer us as a historic site.

About the Show

Ben Franklin’s World is a podcast about early American history.

It is a show for people who love history and for those who want to know more about the historical people and events that have impacted and shaped our present-day world.

Each episode features a conversation with a historian who helps us shed light on important people and events in early American history.

Ben Franklin’s World is a production of the Omohundro Institute.

Episode Summary

Douglas Bradburn, the CEO and President of George Washington’s Mount Vernon, joins us to explore the history of Washington’s storied estate and his agricultural practices. And to take us behind-the-scenes of how Mount Vernon has evolved as a historic site.

As we explore Mount Vernon and the life of George Washington the farmer, Doug reveals how the Washington family acquired Mount Vernon and developed it as an estate and plantation; George Washington’s work to build Mount Vernon into a model of agricultural sustainability; And, the remarkable story of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association and how and why they saved and continue to maintain George Washington’s estate for future generations.

What You’ll Discover

Responsibilities of the CEO and President of Mount Vernon
How the Washington family acquired Mount Vernon
How Mount Vernon received its name
How George Washington became the proprietor of the family seat
Mount Vernon as a working farm during George Washington’s lifetime
George Washington as a farmer and agricultural improver
Outbuildings of Mount Vernon
Slavery and enslavement at Mount Vernon
Washington as slaveholder
Mount Vernon Ladies Association
Initial preservation of Mount Vernon
Interpretations of Mount Vernon over time
The Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center at Mount Vernon
Lives Bound Together exhibit
Mount Vernon out in the world

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Complementary Episodes

Episode 033: Douglas Bradburn, George Washington & His Library
Episode 060: David Preston, Braddock’s Defeat
Episode 061: Edward Larson, George Washington in Retirement
Episode 077: Rinker Buck, The Oregon Trail
Episode 103: Sara Bon-Harper, James Monroe & His Highland Estate
Episode 137: Erica Dunbar, The Washingtons’ Runaway Slave Ona Judge

Time Warp Question

In your opinion, what might have happened if the Mount Vernon Ladies Association had not saved Mount Vernon in 1858? What would have happened to the Estate and how would our knowledge of George Washington, Mount Vernon, and all the people who lived and worked on the estate be different?