Mansion, as what Mr. Webster defined, is a large imposing residence
that is meant to be magnificent, grand and impressive. Last year, I was able to
visit one in Mt. Vernon, Virginia and just this year in Baguio City. Both of
these places had significant history that every citizen should know.
George Washington’s
Mansion at Mount Vernon Estate in Alexandria, Virginia, USA
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| At the entrance of The Estate |
George Washington’s Mansion located at the heart of Mt.
Vernon Estate in Virginia is one of the most famous destinations for tourists
who wanted to see the abode of the first and one of the greatest president of
the United States, George Washington. The mansion is a 3-story, built of wood,
overlooking the Potomac River. It is fully preserved together with the other
structures such as the servant’s quarter, vault, smokehouse, and tomb.
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| Washington Family |
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| Front lawn |
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| Washington's Vault. Knock, knock... |
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| Servant's Quarter |
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| The smokehouse - where he kept the "tapa". |
The estate is being run by the Mount Vernon Ladies’Association, a private, non-profit organization founded in 1853. It does not accept
any grants from the government. It sustains its operation on revenue from
retail store and restaurant, ticket sales and donations from foundations,
individuals and corporations.
The Mansion in
Leonard Wood Road, Baguio City, Philippines
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| Caption not needed. I just wondered why there is a yellow ribbon at the lawn. |
The Mansion, built in 1908 for the US Governor-Generals but
rebuilt in 1947 after being destroyed during the American liberation, held some
important functions such as the Second
Session of Economic Commission of Asia and the Far East in 1947 and first
meeting of the South East Asia Union known as the Baguio Conference of 1950, conceived
and convened by President Elpidio Quirino.
It has a
mini-museum showcasing memorabilia and works of art collected over the years of
being occupied by the past presidents. Within the compound is a 2-story
building that serves as the official residence of the President of the Republic
of the Philippines in Baguio City.
The whole compound is being maintained by the Philippine
government and is guarded by a contingent of Philippine marines.
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| Conference room of The Mansion (Photo from cityofpines.com) |
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| Front Lawn (Photo from cityofpines.com) |
Wow! You are so lucky to have visited the Mansion of Former President Washington and of course the Mansion in Baguio City.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to more of your travel posts :)