The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1923-05-11

IL PRESS
seven hills. The scenery along our
route was magnificent
At Fredericksburg, America s
greatest battlefield. we could not
resist the temptation TO stop and
see this historical old town, found
ed in 1877. For a small admission
fee we We're shown the home OF
George Washington's mother. Mary
Washington, who lived here 70,
twenty years. In the parlor we saw
many mementoes of colonial days,
flint rock. rife, four poster bedstead
with its homespun bed spread. pat
termed after Mary Washington and
her spinning wheel. 1t was in this
room that George first Z met the
young and charming widow Curtis
who afterward became his wife. In
the kitchen we saw the table and
chairs used by the Washingtons.
Among the many noted people who
have eaten from this table | recall
only Mrs. Curtis and children, Gen
eral Lafayette and George Washing.
ton.
A monument TO Mary Washing.
ton, who died in this house in 1889,
was placed above her grave in the
cemetery in Fredericksburg, erected
by her county women.
A short distance from the Wash
ington house is the James Monroe
house, founder of the Monroe Doc
trine. For another small fee we
were shown through this old house.
From the outside il looks to be a
very small structure. but such was
not the case for there were eight
bedrooms. This was a spooky old
place and ! was glad when our ex-
ploring ended.
The Washington farm. where
George Washington was raised to
manhood, and where he chopped
down the famous cherry tree, is
now part of the city.
| can not begin to tell of the many
interesting places in and around
Fledericksbur Two battles were
fought on ground covered by the
city. The population is about 5000.
In the national cemetery are 1924
soldiers; only $500 are known.
The sentry box at the end Of
Main street, was used through three
wars. TO watch and give the
alarm of the approach of the en-
envy We cannot linger longer at
this place. but must hurry on to
Washington, ID. c., about fifty miles
north where we have planned to
spend two days.
Mt. Vernon was only few miles
off the trail we were taking, so we
visited this place. The road ran
around three sides of the farm. A
hiOh Uir0 fannn
ing but natural timber and meadows
could be seen until we got to the
top of hill. when we had fine
view of Mt Vernon. We parked our
cars outside the gates. A darky
found a parking place and watched
them for twenty five cents, while
We were inside. No doubt he did a
thriving business. = for there were
hundreds of cars there. 1t really
looked like Garden City at fair
time. There are several places tor
eats and everyone ate their lunch
before going through the gates.
We asked if there was anything
special on for that day as there was
such big crowd They said it was
only the usual daily crowd
To the Mt. Vernon Ladies assoc
iation the country owes a debt of
gratitude for rescuing the tomb and
home of Washington from destruc-
ton and restoring it to its old time
loneliness. The entrance fee of
twenty five cents makes the reve-
nue. that supports Mt Vernon, and
we felt as we passed through the
gates, that we were doing our bit in
preserving the home of Washington.
The tread of watchmen sounds all
p-l1t around MI Nnrnnn nj
in uniform act as guards during the
day. To those who have never Wis
tied this hallowed spot, no descrip-
ton ] can give could describe the
beauties of the grounds, garden,
orchard and mansion, the same to-
day as it was when Washington,
weary with years of war, retired to
the private life Of Virginian coun-
try gentleman.
Washington inherited the estate
and came to live here sooR after his
marriage in 1859. Here he con-
Quoted the farm until called to the
field. He returned after CORVALLIS
surrendered at Yorktown and again
after his two terms as president.
Somehow it seemed most appropri-
ate to make pilgrimage to the
tomb of Washington.
AS SOON as we were INSIDE the
gate we followed the crowd, past
the ancient, barn across to the sum
mer home, which is situated on d
little hill. where we rested a bit
and wrote cards to Sister Bess and
other friends. From this summer
house a magnificent view of the
Potomac is had. while there a boat
passed, the bell tolling solemn
requiem DER this sacred spot A
gentle ascent from the summer
house soon brought us to the tomb.
Washington selected the location OF
his tomb and in his will directed
that it should be built of brick ION
the ground which is marked out"
His wish has been respected and
the tomb is plain brick structure.
overgrown with ivy On a slab over
its arched gateway is inscribed With
in this Enclosure rest the remains
of General George Washington. 1t
is a spot sacred to all American, a
shrine visited annually by thous-
apds."
When we got to the tomb a party
Of about twenty were at, the tomb,
each in turn looking silently into 1t
and passing on, making place for
others. lon the tomb was a large