How do we take care of George Washington's Tomb?

George Washington’s Tomb is a sight to behold. Our Director of Preservation, Thomas Reinhart, explains the upkeep required to keep the Tomb in great condition.

[@NeTxGrl]

I wonder if GW's ghost ever comes back to Mt Vernon and sees the work being done.. It must be such a strange experience to be able to go inside there knowing GW is so near yet so far.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

Call me crazy (I won't care!) but every time I've visited Mount Vernon I kept getting the feeling that the General was still there, just round the next corner or in the next room, seeing but unseen and just out of reach. And ever time I visited Mount Vernon I didn't want to leave. I haven't been in several years, I just don't want to deal with the traffic on I-95 anymore, it's crazy up there now. Too bad. But if you're EVER in that area make the time to visit Mount Vernon, you won't be sorry you did!

[@DustyB]

This is incredible

[@Semper_Iratus]

Thank you.

[@ghostcityshelton9378]

Will we ever get to see the inside of the rest of the tomb? How is that holding up? I just bought two George Washington 250th Anniversary coins at an estate sale, paid abit for them but they are also error coins. Liberty is spelled 'LISERTY' and it is a 'double die' meaning the coin was stamped twice. There are other errors on both coins. I bought another one on line that the small building attached to the main Mount Vernon home the roof extens way further than it should. That coin is a proof coin, which means the coin has spent it's time in it's plastic case, it comes with the Mint box and paperwork. The front of the coin has Gen. Washington ridding his beautiful horse and the back of the coin is his home Mount Vernon. When you think of the person who owned the 2 error coins from the estate sell you start to wonder how much love went into his collection. How many hours did he admire and love those coins and he admired General Washington that's for sure as we all should. I have some rare old post cards of Mount Vernon that have to be at least 70 yrs old and one day I hope to revisit beautiful Mount Vernon and donate them if that's alright. They are all hand coloured. For now I'd like to keep them with the General coins then will pass them on in my WILL most likely. Thank you for taking care of our President & his wife's home, grounds and tomb.

[@bumblybeeez]

I'm also very curious about the rest of the tomb! Is anyone seeing to it that the other graves within are protected?

[@U_ever]

This is a job for Phil Swift and his Flex Paste stuff ! ! !

[@gsc01972]

Wonder if George Washington's body/ now bones is really in that tumb??

[@dirks4093]

Would love to see a Science or Myth Busters episode that proves Washington is actually in that tomb - with x-rays, dna testing, etc..

[@bennetosborne8459]

This is George Washington Tomb

[@piusx8317]

Close it up and leave the man be.

[@fannybuster]

Why not paint the brick with an enamel paint..?

[@ghostcityshelton9378]

That won't stop the damage that is going on now, it just covers up the problems will become way worse in time. It has to be done as explained.

[@TheRedbaronator]

That would further block the moisture from weeping out of the brick, which is what is causing the spalling to begin with. They are doing what must be done.

[@shawnstone4949]

Dry rot sucks......

[@fannybuster]

You could also put "stucco" which is a layer of cement over the bricks

[@TheRedbaronator]

@@fannybuster That would also trap the moisture. it's also an historical building, they can't alter it that way.