THE MOUNT VERNON HIGHWAY ROUTE
THE MOUNT VERNON HIGHWAY TRAVERSES HISTORIC TERRITORY
The route traverses a territory full of historic associations and reminiscent of the days of Washington. About halfway between Washington and Alexandria it passes close to the site of Abingdon, the home of John Parke Custis, Mrs. Washington’s son. Here Nellie Custis, Washington’s adopted daughter, was born. A beautiful view of the river and a panorama of Washington and the north shore is seen from this point. Also here the Potomac is being dredged, making new land for Washington National Airport, to be the finest in the United States. Work will be completed in 1941.
MOUNT VERNON MEMORIAL HIGHWAY, NORTH OF LITTLE HUNTING CREEK
Passing on to Alexandria the route enters the city by Washington Street and passes directly by Christ Church, where the Washington pew may still be seen.
Alexandria was Washington’s own town. It was his market place, his post office, and his voting place. It was the meeting place of the lodge of Masons to which he belonged, and the lodge hall is now the repository of a great many articles and paintings associated with him. The trowel, square, and plumb bob used in laying the corner stone of the Capitol may be seen here, as also the Bible used in the Masonic lodge of which Washington was a member. Among many other things of historical interest is a portrait of George Washington painted by W. Williams for the lodge.
There is scarcely a foot of ground in Alexandria that Washington did not tread. The old quarters of the volunteer fire company to which he belonged still stand. In Gadsby’s Inn, now the City Hotel, he recruited the first company of provincial troops authorized by Governor Dinwiddie, and with which he fought the Battle of Great Meadows.
MOUNT VERNON MEMORIAL HIGHWAY