The home of George Washington, Mount Vernon is located near Alexandria, VA. Probably built before 1700, Washington enlarged it over the years. In 1757-1758 a story was added, and the exterior walls were finished and the wood painted and sanded to resemble rusticated stone. Between 1776 and 1778, the house was extended at each end to double its original size. The familiar portico, with eight slender piers, was added in 1784. The cupola over the center of the house was completed in 1787.