A. Begins in 1846 when a petition circulates to U.S. Congress. In 1853 persistent rumors floated that it was about to be sold as a hotel site. Idea came from a letter received from her mother. Rebuffed by John Washington, she issues a second call describing how an extensive network of women could raise the necessary capital. Governor Johnson of Virginia presents a bill to the General Assembly to make the Mount Vernon Ladies Association a State Charter organization.
Association becomes a national movement.
Pamela Cunningham goes to Mount Vernon and by acknowledging slights to the Washington family receives agreement to sell the property. E. 1858 new charter is granted by State of Virginia allowing Association to retain title to property. The fight to save mount Vernon became a model for future restoration activities, but none succeeded at the same level, nor so easily. The Mount Vernon Ladies Association was also the first successful women's' organization and led to a new conception of the place of women in public life and especially their role in preservation. Until the end of 19th Century, private citizens, not government were the proper advocates of preservation.