The Texas Gate

Here follows an excerpt from the Mount Vernon Ladies Association website:

The Texas Gate was built in 1899 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of George Washington's death. Funds for the construction of the gate were raised by a number of groups and citizens from Texas.

When thousands of visitors began to arrive at Mount Vernon via electric trolley during the last decade of the 19th century, it quickly became apparent that the estate needed an official entrance gate to handle the ever-increasing crowds. The citizens of Texas adopted the project under the leadership of Frances C. Maxey, Vice Regent for Texas. School children donated nickels and dimes, while members of the Masonic lodges organized a grassroots effort that swept across the state. The Texas Gate was dedicated on December 14, 1899.

From 1986 to 1988, Helen Sharp Anderson, Vice Regent for Texas, spearheaded a second statewide effort to refurbish the gate and modernize the interior with air-conditioning, enhanced security, and state-of-the-art computers for ticketing. Millions of visitors have passed under this impressive archway on their way to see the Mansion and other areas of Washington's historic estate.


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Here follows the inscription written on a historical plaque attached to the gate:

Following in the footsteps of Texans who supported the construction of the original main gate in 1899, Texans and friends of the Lone Star State restored this gate in 1988.

"The Texas Gate" at Mount Vernon was restored in 1988 with funds contributed by The Freemasons of Texas to honor the memory of George Washington, Brother mason, founding father and first President.