The History of George Washington's Distillery

In 1797 George Washington’s farm manager, a Scot named James Anderson, convinced his employer that producing whiskey made from corn and rye grown on the plantation would be a natural complement to his milling business. Washington was initially skeptical, but soon granted permission to build the structure.

Washington erected the 2,250 square foot distillery -- making it among the largest whiskey distilleries in early America. In 1799, Washington produced 11,000 gallons of whiskey, worth the then-substantial sum of $7,500. Upon Washington’s death in 1799, the complex was passed down to a relative who apparently was not equipped to run it, and he rented it to a local operator. The distillery ceased operating in 1814 when the building burned. Not until 2000 did Mount Vernon begin the excavation and restoration of the distillery with a grant from the distilled spirits industry.

Visit George Washington's Distillery

The distillery is located three miles from the Mount Vernon estate, next door to the site of George Washington's gristmill, which has been reconstructed and operates as an 18th century mill. When the distillery opens to the public in spring 2007, it will operate on the same schedule as the gristmill, and visitors will be able to tour both facilities.

Hours: (Starting April 1, 2007)
Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. -- April 1 through October 31

Contact Historic Mount Vernon:

Telephone: 703/780-2000
Email: info@mountvernon.org

Street Address:
Historic Mount Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121

Other Links:
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
http://www.mountvernon.org/