George Washington died in his bedchamber at Mount Vernon on December 14, 1799.
His last will outlined his desire to be buried at home at Mount Vernon. Washington additionally made provisions for a new brick tomb to be constructed after his death, which would replace the original yet quickly deteriorating family burial vault.
In 1831, Washington’s body was transferred to the new tomb, along with the remains of Martha Washington and other family members.
Today, the gently wooded enclosure that surrounds the Washingtons' final resting place is a lovely, fitting space to pay homage to the Father of Our Country and the first First Lady.
Tombs and Memorial
Tribute at the Tomb
Mount Vernon welcomes those who wish to pay their respect to the Father of our Country to honor George Washington by participating in a daily brief wreath-laying ceremony at the Washingtons' Tomb.
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Old Tomb
On December 18, 1799, four days after his death, George Washington’s body was placed in the Old Tomb where other family members were entombed. They remained here until 1831 when they were moved to the New Tomb.
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New Tomb
George Washington's will directed the building of a new tomb at Mount Vernon. This is the final resting place for George and Martha Washington and a number of family members.
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Who is Buried in the Tomb?
Explore a list of the Washington family members whose remains rest at Mount Vernon's New Tomb.
Slave Cemetery
Mount Vernon is conducting an ongoing archaeological survey of the Slave Cemetery on the estate. From an archaeological standpoint, the best way to commemorate the lives of those free and enslaved individuals who lived and died at Mount Vernon is to thoroughly document the locations of individual burials on the landscape.
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Tribute at the Slave Memorial
Commemorate the community of the enslaved people who lived and worked at Mount Vernon during a special wreath-laying presentation each day.
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Group Wreath-Laying Ceremony
Mount Vernon welcomes those who wish to arrange for a wreath-laying ceremony to pay their respect to the Father of our Country. Reservations must be made in advance.
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Tributes at the Tomb
A special ceremony and wreath laying occur at Washington's Tomb daily at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., April- October, and 12 p.m., November-March.
Mount Vernon's Tombs
See photos of the Old and New Tombs at Mount Vernon
The New Tomb
The Vestibule of the New Tomb
Washington's Sarcophagus
Tributes at the Tomb
Grounds of the New Tomb
Civil War Era Graffitti
The Old Tomb
Inside the Old Tomb
Eleanor Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Madame Chiang Kai-shek
The President and Prince of Wales
Visitors Paying Respects
Drawing of the Old Tomb
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.
Famous Visitors to Washington's Tomb
Throughout its history as a cultural shrine, Mount Vernon has been the site of numerous visits from politicians to world leaders.
The Death of George Washington
On the evening of December 14, 1799, at Mount Vernon, George Washington passed away of a throat infection. He was buried four days later in the family vault at Mount Vernon.
First in War, First in Peace
...and first in the hearts of his countrymen. Maj. Gen. Henry Lee's gave the famous eulogy about George Washington.
See videos from Mount Vernon's tombs
George Washington's Will
On the eve of his death on December 14, 1799, the gravely ill George Washington asked his wife Martha to bring him the two versions of his will. After reviewing them, Washington had one thrown in the fire and asked Martha to safeguard the other.
Death and Mourning
At Mount Vernon, when a member of the enslaved community died, the estate’s carpenters crafted a coffin. Funerals probably occurred at night, when more people could attend, however, details of these celebrations were not recorded.
Death Defied
Rather than let George Washington's body be submitted permanently to the grave, William Thornton, a friend and prominent physician, proposed a plan to "resuscitate" the recently deceased body of George Washington.
Burials at Mount Vernon
Many have been buried at Mount Vernon, including generations of the Washington family and those enslaved at Mount Vernon.
Re-enactment of George Washington's Funeral
On December 18, 1999, Mount Vernon reenacted George Washington's funeral - on the 200th anniversary of that doleful event.
George Washington's Prayer for His Country
Washington's prayer adapted from his Circular Letter to the States, which he wrote on June 8, 1783, as the commander in chief.