Special opportunity for Park Friends and their guests to visit the remains and landscape of a highly significant historic site protected within Mason Neck State Park. Lexington Plantation, the home of George Mason V (son of George Mason of Gunston Hall), included “a spacious and elegant dwelling-house,” gardens, orchards, dairy, smoke house, blacksmith shop, office, ice-house, and well. Lexington faded from memory and eventually became traces in the ground, which can still be seen today. Particularly exciting is the “falling garden, of the most tasteful and costly design, filled with the rarest and most beautiful shrubberies and flowers, exotic and indigenous” that sits on high ground once overlooking the Potomac and Occoquan rivers.
Join Gary Knipling, Mason Neck State Park staff, Gunston Hall staff, and archaeologists for a guided walk into the Lexington archeological site to experience clues preserved in the ground of the topography, historic landscape, house, outbuildings, and viewsheds of 200+ years ago. Discuss issues and challenges of investigating and preserving this hidden historic gem.
The 1.5 to 2 mile into the site is of moderate difficulty, with some slope. There is not a designated trail, and there may be brambles and fallen trees. Wear sturdy shoes/boots, long sleeves, long pants, and layers. Bring tick/insect repellent with DEET and drinking water.
This registration does NOT include the Talk at the Gunston Hall Visitor Center about the Lexington site. Please register separately for that "Talk" event.
