Mount Vernon and Camp David

          When the topic of George Washington and his legacy is brought up in a conversation, it usually does not tend to go toward Mount Vernon. However, Washington’s home is one of his greatest material legacies seen today. Not only was Mount Vernon a retreat for him and his family, but it also served as a meeting place for diplomatic officials. In many ways, Camp David is a modern Mount Vernon. Camp David has served past and present presidents and their families for generations, as well as hosting foreign dignitaries.

          Mount Vernon served not only as Washington’s home, but it also served as a political high ground. In 1785, Washington hosted commissioners from Maryland and Virginia to go over the states’ rights to the common waterways.

The Mount Vernon Conference was the conference before the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 (Mount Vernon Conference). Much like the inspirational Mount Vernon, Camp David has hosted some of the most influential leaders from across the globe.

One of the most well-known agreements reached at Camp David was the Camp David Accords in 1978. Then the following year, a peace treaty was reached between Israel and Egypt, brokered by President Carter (Camp David Accords).

            One day will Camp David be an historic landmark that people from around the world go to visit and learn about past presidents? I hope it stays a sanctuary for the presidents and their families, as Mount Vernon was at first for President Washington. Although security is somewhat of a different matter for the president today than it was in the 1700s, I would appreciate those moments of privacy with my family that Washington may not have enjoyed as much later because of his popularity and known location.

            Thankfully for presidents today and in the future, Camp David is guarded by Navy and Marine officers because it is an active military base (About Camp David).

Presidents from FDR to JFK have enjoyed summers and winters in this beautiful hide-away with their families (and some others).

Making history, no matter the positive or negative outcome, is what presidents have achieved since 1789. Treaties, peace, war, vacations, and historic phenomena have taken place at both Mount Vernon and Camp David. There will always be a relationship between Camp David and Mount Vernon, not just because they are/were homes to presidents, but because there is a since of tradition and legacy left in both houses. Who knows, maybe Mount Vernon will return to being a place of decision making for future presidents and diplomats because of the intense history. I know there will be more to come.