Mason Neck, VA (USA)

Since I first discovered Mason Neck (see JAN 2012), I've been wanting to go back. The rural nature of the area - coupled with many things I enjoy doing - make that area in the southern part of Fairfax County very appealing. However, as much as I would definitely have liked exploring the wildlife refuge, State Parks and the bike trail, I knew they wouldn't be as fun without the kids (sigh...). Fortunately, there was one thing I knew I could do without hurting their feelings: visit the home of Founding Father, George Mason. To get there, I used a scenic route I found on the map - it took me from Kingstowne into the Pohick area on Telegraph Road. I've used the road a lot, but never that far. After I crossed US-1, the pavement became Old Colchester Road, where I immediately noticed the heavily-attended (and historical) Pohick Episcopal Church. After that, I followed a narrow street that went through rolling hills and criss-crossed Pohick Creek multiple times - before hitting Gunston Road. I was glad the landmarks looked familiar after that point... I had noticed Gunston Hall last time and figured it would have enough architectural and historical appeal to keep me entertained for a few hours. It wasn't too warm, but after I got to the grounds (1015), I immediately wanted walk across the pretty fields and up the dirt, tree-lined carriage road that led up to the front of the home. However, when I went inside the visitors center, they told me I had just enough time to watch a movie about George Mason before a tour of the home began. The film was interesting - a great introduction to one of the (normally) forgotten men who shaped our Nation. I hadn't considered many of this man's contributions - I guess I took them for granted. From our family tour of Monticello (see MAR 2007), I knew that George Mason had inspired Thomas Jefferson while he wrote the Declaration of Independence (the statement "they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" is a paraphrase of Mason's work in the Virginia Declaration). What I had never known was the extent to which he had staked his reputation and friendships (and lasting fame) on arguments for a Bill of Rights when he attended the Constitutional Convention in 1787. Of course, he got his way - and we are protected from an oppressive central government because of his efforts. After the film ended, I hurried over to Gunston Hall, a pretty Georgian (brick) home overlooking the Potomac. It reminded me a bit of Stratford Hall (see JUN 2009). It turned out that I was the only person on the tour - very nice! My guide provided an excellent description of architectural features and carpentry (most designed by George and then improved and completed by an indentured servant from England, William Buckland) in the home, along with additional descriptions of the man and his family. After that (about an hour), I walked around the grounds - great views of the Potomac, gardends, orchards and out-buildings (found out later that Gunston Hall, like Mount Vernon, is almost directly across the river from Piscataway National Farm - see APR 2006). I paid my respects at the family cemetery, where George Mason and his wife were buried. Spent a little time after that in the small museum, learning more about the Mason family holdings and I drove away from the place (1300) with a great appreciation for this Founding Father - definitely worth a return visit.