4.1.4 United States

Although many ground efforts of architectural heritage protection in United States began as early at the 18thcentury, the first architectural heritage to receive historic designation from the Government was the former President Washington’s House in 1853.^[15]Later, through legislation and the founding of specific institutions, the Federal Governments and local Governments gradually strengthened the protection of historical houses.In 1949, the National Trust for Historic Preservation was founded, which aims to preserve and revitalize America’s historic buildings and surroundings through working on preservation policies and campaigns.In 1966, the United States enacted the National Historic Protection Act, which established the National Register of Historic Buildings (NRHP).The United States began to register its architectural heritage sites, including historic personalities’ residences.In this period, some people argued that the appearance of residence was the only criteria to determine its fate.However, some scholars pointed out that historic significance is the most important value of these residences.A plain or shabby appearance was not a reason to demolish house that qualified under this proposal.Government realized the significant of these famous homes, and provided preferential conditions for the preservation and development of these residences.In addition, since 1976, tax reforms were implemented, providing preferential tax policies for historic building preservation,^[16]which greatly encouraged social forces to participate in historical and cultural heritage protection.There are numerous famous historic personalities’ residences in the United States, such as Mount Vernon, Mark Twain House, Martin Luther King house, Abraham Lincoln Birthplace, Hemingway House and the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio.

Figure 4-9.Washington’s Residence and Environment

On Mount Vernon in Fairfax County, north of Virginia, the former residence of George Washington is located here (Fig.4-9).Mount Vernon is one of the most tranquil and beautiful mountains in the United States, facing the Potomac River.Washington lived here for 45 years.After the deaths of George Washington (1799) and his widow Martha (1802), Mount Vernon was owned by the Washington family for three generations.^[17]In the 1850s, the house inheritor John Washington was not able to maintain it.Instead of changing it for a commercial function, he would find a new owner who could preserve Mount Vernon as a historic site.^[18](https://www.daowen.com)

For preserving and maintaining the Mount Vernon estate, in 1853, Ms.Cunningham founded The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association.The income of this non-profit Association relied on donations from foundations, businesses and individuals.^[19]The tourism economy also provides necessary funds for maintenance, because the historic significance of the residence and the beautiful scenery of Mount Vernon makes it a well-known attraction in this area (Fig.4-10).Since then, Mount Vernon has received regular restoration and maintained an original appearance.Now, although Mount Vernon is owned by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, it is still a venue for many official events.On 7thNovember 2007, US President Bush held a closed-session meeting with French President Sarkozy in the New Room of the Mansion at Mount Vernon.^[20]

Figure 4-10.Washington’s Residence in Mount Vernon