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Saturday, June 22, 1878

Mount Vernon's archives contain a pencil sketch on paper by Mr. (Charlie) McDermott portraying the visit of President Rutherford B. Hayes and First Lady Mrs. Hayes at the wharf landing at Mount Vernon. Also portrayed are the artist, Mr. McDermott, and Susan E. J. Hudson, Vice Regent for Connecticut. 

A handwritten note on the reverse by Mrs. Hudson notes, "Unexpected visit of Pres. & Mrs. Hays (sp) at Mt. Vernon while Mrs. Halsted (Vice Regent for New Jersey) and I was there on committee work. S. E. J. Hudson, June 18-1878 [possibly the date Mrs. Hudson arrived for committee work, not the date of the Hayes' arrival]." 

Local newspaper reports and a letter from Mrs. Halsted describe President Hayes and Mrs. Hayes arriving at Mount Vernon on Saturday, June 22, spending the night in the Mansion (staying in the Lafayette Room, now referred to as the Blue Room), and attending a service at Pohick Church on the following day. After another night at Mount Vernon, the president and first lady returned to Washington, D.C., on Monday morning.

Presidents at Mount Vernon

Many Presidents of the United States have visited Mount Vernon before, during, and after their time in office. Explore some of the most notable visits from our Commanders in Chief.

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