George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill

George Washington erected a large stone gristmill in 1771 to increase production of flour and cornmeal and to be able to export high quality flour to the West Indies, England, and Europe. In 1797, Washington's Scottish farm manager James Anderson encouraged him to build a whiskey distillery adjacent to the gristmill. The distillery was the largest in America, producing 11,000 gallons of whiskey in 1799, making it one of the most successful economic enterprises at Mount Vernon.

Distillery

Distillers discuss 18th-century techniques of operating copper stills, mash tubs, and a boiler in the two-story building that also includes an office and living quarters. A museum on the second floor features a History Channel video, George Washington's Liquid Gold, and an exhibit, Spirits of Independence: George Washington and the Beginnings of the American Whiskey Industry. George Washington's Distillery is the Gateway to the American Whiskey Trail. Whiskey produced at the Distillery is available for sale at the Gristmill Shop and the Shops at Mount Vernon.

The reconstruction of Washington's Distillery was made possible by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.

Gristmill

A 16-foot waterwheel powers the giant gears and millstones of Washington's remarkable mill that includes the only operating Oliver Evans Automated Milling System in America. The Evans System won U.S. Patent No. 3 and helped to make the gristmill at Mount Vernon a commercial success. Demonstrations of the mill are given by millers in early-American attire. Stone ground cornmeal produced on site is available at the Gristmill Shop and the Shops at Mount Vernon.

Admission and Hours of Operation

Open daily, March 31 - October 31, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for youth ages 6-11, and free for children 5 and under. Special discounted admission packages combined with Mount Vernon admission are available.

Location and Transportation

Located on Route 235, three miles south of Mount Vernon Estate. Visitors are advised that they must plan their own transportation to the Distillery & Gristmill.  For bus information and to verify bus schedules, please contact the Fairfax Connector office at 703-339-7200.

5514 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Alexandria, VA 22309