2.

George and Martha's Bed 

This bed was in Mount Vernon throughout George and Martha's marriage. This bed remains at Mount Vernon and visitors can go see it. I went to Mount Vernon about 3 1/2 years ago and I did not know very much about George Washington at the time. I wish I could go back now. Anyways, I chose this picture for a couple reasons. One, it shows the simple, yet elegant style of Martha. Since her first marriage when she was 19, she became wealthy, but she never let that wealth over power her frugality and practicality. Second, on December 14, 1799 George passed away in this very bed. Martha followed the custom of the day to stay in another room after her husband's death. The bed, as far as I know, hasn't been slept in since then. This beds show a very personal and close side of George and Martha's marriage. Since I have been reading a lot about Martha, I find it fascinating that she wanted their relationship to be kept private. Yet, there are things that have been left behind that show what a great love these two had for each other. George worked hard to prepare Mount Vernon for him and his new bride and this bed was a lovely edition to this house.