Ann Pamela Cunningham ()
Preserver of
as a National Shrine

Ann Pamela Cunningham was born in Laurens County, S.C., in 1816. She founded Mt. Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union in 1853. She made a national shrine of Mt. Vernon, President George Washingtons' home. In 1856, the state of Virginia granted a charter to the association. The association raised $200,000 to buy the mansion and property in 1859. During the Civil War, Mt. Vernon was on neutral ground. Cunningham died in 1875.