James’s Reviews > George Washington's Mount Vernon : At Home in Revolutionary America > Status Update

Poor Martha. Living in a big house, forever being made bigger, while her children die along the way (far too young). Even if she had the grandchildren to busy her, you know there were many sad nights. Poor woman.

I still like that G.W. flew in the face of convention prior to the Revolution and designed Mount Vernon to his own tastes. This was unheard of, and speaks much to the individual strengths of the man at its hearth.

I see what the Dalzells were trying to say by comparing Mount Vernon to the Saltram House. Both existing houses that were expanded. Both owned by families searching for status, both trying to save costs, while projecting an image of wealth. However, even with all of my affection for G.W & Mount Vernon, viewing the images provided, the Saltram House is far far superior to Mount Vernon. Its comical.

Who knew Whigs and Tories even fought via architecture!

Then the age or reason...a much bigger picture is all there is to existence. I hope I have more of my own story to write, and George was only getting started at my age. To see the trends of fashion and life revolving around purchasing items- creating debt and stress. The inability to think clearly for what's best for one's self (or family) due to debt stress - is what is killing America.

This passage is amazing to me. It sums up so much of what is going on inside my own mind at this point in life. It reflects actual aspects of my own life, possibly foreshadowing other aspects. It is amazing the story of George. So oft told, and yet unknown by so much of our nation. The story of a man of little means, strives of young adult-hood. Becoming indebted to fashion and social status.

Viewed in this light, the rebuilding of Mount Vernon becomes a gesture, a celebration, an affirmation. Through it Washington would proclaim himself once again a free man, and do so with a house that was indisputably his own creation.