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Fence and Ditch (Historical Marker)

GPS Coordinates: 38.7075268, -77.0877313
Closest Address: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria, VA 22121

Fence and Ditch (Historical Marker)

Here follows the inscription written on this trailside historical marker:

Fence and Ditch
"…there is nothing I more ardently desire; nor indeed is there any more essential to my permanent interest, than raising of live fences on proper Ditches or banks."
—George Washington to Overseers at Mount Vernon, July 14, 1792

Washington attempted to replace his expensive wood fences with "live" fences — hedges so dense that they would turn away all animals, from the smallest rabbit to the largest deer. Despite his repeated directions to plant the banks of ditches with fast growing locust and willow, he never succeeded in fully protecting his garden with "live" fences.

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Award-winning local historian and tour guide in Franconia and the greater Alexandria area of Virginia.

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ADDRESS

Nathaniel Lee

c/o Franconia Museum

6121 Franconia Road

Alexandria, VA 22310

franconiahistory@gmail.com

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