(above) U.S. Pres. George and first lady Martha Washington“Washington at Home,” engraving by H. B. Hall after a painting by Alonzo Cappel, c. 1867.
In celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of Independence Day, the July 2026 newsletter of Birmingham Historical Society explores the links between George and Martha Washington and the places, residences, food, and artifacts that memorialize them locally.
A prefabricated home plan of Washington’s home, Mount Vernon, was available in the Sears & Roebuck catalogue by 1932, and two residential replicas were constructed in Mountain Brook; one on Mountain Brook Parkway and the other on Fairway Drive. A look-alike building named Washington Hall at American Village in Montevallo, Alabama contains 3 spaces related to the birth of the nation: the Grand Foyer, the Assembly Room, and the Mount Vernon room.
It was in the Assembly Room…”that Washington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of The Continental Army, and on July 4, 1776, The Declaration of Independence was adopted. In the same space, The U. S. Flag was agreed upon and The Articles of Confederation approved. Here also, The Constitutional Convention occurred in 1787, with Washington pressing from The Rising Sun Chair.” (Historical Marker Database)
“The Mount Vernon Room was inspired by what Washington called “The New Room.” It represents the place where on April 14, 1789, he was informed that he had been unanimously elected as The First President of the United States.” (Historical Marker Database)
Montevallo’s American Village now boasts the finest collection of Washington family memorabilia outside of Mount Vernon including almost 1,000 items purchased from Shelby County residents.
Included in the July 2026 BHS newsletter, is the complete recipe of Martha Washington’s Great Cake which was served at her wedding anniversary every year. Baked for 5 ½ hours and serving 40 people, the recipe was passed on to her granddaughter and was eventually adapted and published by culinary historian, Nancy Carter Crump.
Note that this version was served at the Birmingham Historical Society’s 2026 Annual Meeting!
It’s well known that George Washington suffered from dental problems throughout his life which may have contributed to his death. Another noted local link to the Washingtons includes UAB’s Reynolds-Finley Historical Library which contains his letters to dentists, confirming Washington’s lifelong trouble with his teeth.
Finally, the July BHS newsletter tributes a number of Revolutionary War soldiers who settled in Jefferson County and lists Alabama Places named for Revolutionary War Era Figures and Battles.
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