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power boat — Boating and relaxing near Mount Vernon Estates

The Pioneer Farm located on the Potomac at George Washington's Mount Vernon is a four-acre site which explores Washington's role as a farmer. During the second half of the 18th century Washington cultivated than 3000 acres of crops on the farm and it is a popular site visited by many over the years. On a visit to Pioneer Farm persons will learn more about the lives of enslaved workers who worked with Washington to put his ideas into practice. These ten (10) things should be explored on a visit to Pioneer Farms:

The 16-Sided Threshing Barn - the unique two story structure barn was designed by Washington in 1792 and constructed by enslaved workers between 1792-1974. The barn was constructed to improve the processing of wheat by using an automatic process to removal edible grain from the husks and grain.

Slave Cabin - The slave cabin shows the living conditions of 137 enslaved workers who greatly contributed to the Mount Vernon estate through their labour. At the slave cabin area you will see how enslaved people raised their own income through the raising of chickens and maintaining gardens.

Corn Cribs - Pioneer Farms contains two sets of corn cribs located on either side of the 16 sided barn. The corn cribs were used for drying crops such as tobacco, flax, beans, peas and corns.

Farm Beds - Demonstrations on the farm beds are offerred during a visit to Pioneer Farms. The demonstrations highlight the diversity in Washington's Agricultural system with tobacco, wheat, hemp, flax, potatoes and vegetables being grown throughtout the farm.

Fishing Boats - During Washington's time fishing on the Potomac River was a lucrative business and as such Washington operated two fisheries which harvested over a million fish a year which was spread amongst enslaved workers, export and residents of the capital. On a visit to Pioneer Farm persons will be able to see an 18th century batteau and a punt which were two bats used by enslaved workers to capture fish.

Live Demonstrations - Live demonstrations of historic trades are offered at the demonstrations shelter througout the year based on seasonal themes from April - October of each year.

Sheep and Rams - Washington had over 640 sheep on the plantation during his time and even though that number might have declined, vistors can spend time with the sheep and rams in the demontsration paddock at the farm.

Potomac River View - During Washington's time the Potomac River was the main transporation and trade faclity for his farm operations. Visitors can visit the panels to learn more about the history of Washington's fishing operation and the Potomac river trade.

Hell Hole Swamp - this seawall was instrumental in the prevention of flooding on the Pioneer Farm due to the rising Potomac River. The seawall was labelled as Hell Hole Swamp by Washington during a survey of the property in the 1740s.

Seasonal Events - Pioneer Farm is popular for the hosting of seasonal events during the year such as Fall Harvst Family Days in October and Colonial Days in March.