George Washington’s Alexandria and Mt. Vernon including the Carlyle House

A 2026 BGES Revolutionary War Field University Program

with John Maass

May 1-3, 2026, from Alexandria, VA

The man who became the “Father of his Country” was born at a plantation on the Potomac River, many miles downstream from Alexandria, on Popes Creek, and spent much of his youth at his family‘s farm near Fredericksburg to the south. From his mid-teens until his death in 1799, however, Washington spent most of his time at Mount Vernon, about 10 miles south of Alexandria. As he grew older and came to own Mount Vernon in 1761, Alexandria became his center for business, politics, and military activities during the late colonial period.

George Wasington is of course known for his leading role as the Commanding General of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He is also known for his role as the nation’s first president as he defined for our country and the world what being an elected leader of a republic, and not as a dictator or king, should look like. But, his prewar military service in the army for England including in the French and Indian War, or better known to the European world as the Seven Years War, his political life, civilian life, and business life, all helped shape the man who would become the leader of the patriot army, America’s first president, and the human symbol of a free society.

How did Washington fare in the colonial pre-revolution in and around Alexandria? What events shaped his military, political, and philosophical nomenclature? Why did Washington, who once fought for England, feel bitterness and enmity for them by the time of the revolution?

Join renowned historian and author, John Maass as we follow Washington’s life and times in both the colonial and revolutionary period of time and discover the events, difficulties, and decisions that led to the shaping the man, the general, the President, and the Father of our Nation.

George Washington's Mt. Vernon — George Washington’s Mt. Vernon

Itinerary

Friday evening, May 1, 2026, 6:00 PM: Welcome

Meet at the headquarters hotel at 6 p.m. to receive nametags and program packets (or the next morning if you are late arrival).

Afterward, join John at a downtown (Old Town Alexandria) bar and restaurant for a meet and greet time with John and your fellow attendees if you desire. [optional]

Dinner and drinks are on your own.

Saturday, May 2, 2026, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM:

We will meet at the hotel lobby and then proceed to Old Town Alexandria for a walking tour of Market Square as we focus on Colonial and Revolutionary War era sites in the heart of Old Town Alexandria.

These locations include the 1752 Carlyle House, the headquarters of British General Edward Braddock’s ill-fated campaign against the French in the Seven Years’ War, the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, site of Washington’s funeral, and the tomb of the unknown Revolutionary War soldier, Christ Church, where Washington served as a vestryman, and numerous taverns and homes associated with Washington’s early military and political career.

In the afternoon, the tour will continue with stops at Pohick Church, where Washington and statesman George Mason were longtime members, and Gunston Hall, George Mason’s home.

Lunch included but dinner is on your own.

Sunday, May 3, 2026, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM:

This morning, we will begin with a guided tour of the National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, where Dr. John Maass serves as a director. John will lead us on a personalized tour of this most prestigious museum highlighting important events in our nation’s history as well as showing a number of rare and impressive artifacts, documents, and materials. Our morning will also include a look at the museum’s acclaimed temporary exhibit on the Revolutionary War, “A Call to Arms.”

Following lunch, we will visit Washington’s iconic estate, Mount Vernon, including touring the house, looking at the grounds, and other location sites as John points out often overlooked parts of the story of Washington, his family, the home, and the grounds.

We will finish and return to the hotel by 5:00 PM.

Lunch is included.

About the Faculty

Dr. John R. Maass is from Rockbridge County, Virginia. He received a B.A. in history from Washington and Lee University, a M.A. in US history from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and a Ph.D. in Early American history from the Ohio State University.

His most recent publication is From Trenton to Yorktown: Turning Points of the Revolutionary War. He is also the author of George Washington’s Virginia and The Road to Yorktown.

He is an historian at the National Museum of the U.S. Army at Fort Belvoir, Va. He also served in the 80th Division of the U.S. Army Reserves.

Hotel Information

This program will be headquartered at Hampton Inn Ft. Belvoir Alexandria South, 8843 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA 22309. (703-619-7026). The BGES special hotel rate is $149 plus tax, with a rate cut-off date of April 3, 2026. When you call the hotel, be sure to tell them that you are booking your room with the group “Blue and Gray Education” to get the special rate. The hotel does not have an airport shuttle.

Transportation

The servicing airports are Reagan Washington International Airport (DCA), 20 miles from the hotel, and Dulles International Airport (IAD) 34 miles from the hotel.

Tour Pricing

Current BGES member $625 (one-time payment, no deposit)
Non-BGES member $675 (one-time payment, no deposit)
Deposit to reserve spot: $150
Annual membership fee: $75

Registration

George Washington’s Alexandria and Mt. Vernon, including the Carlyle House 2026-Tour

Registration includes 2 lunches, all paid admissions, maps, the academic program, support of the historian and a tour director, and transportation by passenger bus or van. We will also provide snacks and bottled water

Complete your registration by filling out the form below and making your secure payment.

Step 1 of 3

Phone

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Current BGES Member GWAMC-26

Price:

Quantity