The Death of George Washington

 

George Washington died on December 14, 1799.  Fearing premature burial, he requested of his doctors to be “decently buried” and to “not let my body be put into the Vault in less than three days after I am dead.”  In his last will he expressed the desire to be buried at Mount Vernon. George Washington was entombed in the existing family vault, now known as the old Vault on December 18, 1799.  In his last will, George Washington directed the building of a new family burial vault.  In 1831, Washington’s body was transferred to the new tomb. 

How Martha Washington Lived: 18th Century Customs

Secrets of Early America 1607-1816