Tracy, Sarah, 1820-1896

Sarah Tracy was the secretary to the regent of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, Ann Pamela Cunningham of South Carolina. As the Civil War was descending on the nation, Sarah Tracy (and her sister as chaperone) moved into Mount Vernon to protect the estate and ensure absolute neutrality. This was a troubling time on the estate and at one point, she braved barricades, destroyed roads, and a night in a commandeered house, for promises of neutrality and supplies from General McClellan. For eight years, she served as doctor and manager at Mount Vernon while selling flowers, produce, and jewelry which she made out of coffee beans in order to raise money. The Ladies Association also appointed a Superintendent to care for the estate, Upton Herbert, who was trapped at Mount Vernon through the war. After Miss Tracy resigned in 1868, she married Mr. Herbert and they passed on the care of George Washington’s home to make their own home together in Burke, Virginia.