George Washington bought this white-frame house in 1772 for his mother, Mary Ball Washington, so she would be near her daughter's home at Kenmore Plantation . Mary Washington was then 64 years old and had been living across the river at Ferry Farm since 1738. Legend says that Lafayette found Mrs. Washington in her garden when he visited during the Revolution to pay his respects (her sundial still keeps time). Her son came in 1789 to receive her blessing before going to New York for his inauguration as president. He never saw her again, for she died later that year. You must take a 30-minute guided tour (they depart continuously) to see the indoor exhibits, including a mirror she considered to be her "best dressing glass."