Professor Webb with his class at Mt. Vernon

On May 2, 2025, students from Professor Derek Webb’s Creation of the Constitution seminar embarked on their final field trip of the semester with a visit to Mount Vernon and the George Washington Presidential Library.

Throughout the semester, the class explored pivotal sites tied to the Constitution’s creation. Early trips included Independence Hall and the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, where students studied James Madison’s notes on the Federal Convention. They also visited Gunston Hall, the home of George Mason, after analyzing the Anti-Federalist critiques of the Constitution. A trip to the National Archives followed, where they examined debates surrounding the Bill of Rights.

At Mount Vernon, the students began their visit with a guided tour of the George Washington Presidential Library led by historian and research librarian Samantha Snyder. The highlight of the tour was a visit to the library’s vault, which houses some of Washington’s cherished artifacts, including his personal copy of the Constitution, complete with his own annotations. Students also viewed a rare first printing of Washington’s iconic 1796 Farewell Address.

Catholic Law students in the George Washington Presidential Library vault

After the tour, the class gathered in a library classroom to dissect the Farewell Address. First published on September 17, 1796—exactly nine years after the Constitution was signed—the Address was co-written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, the same authors behind the Federalist Papers. “In that sense,” Professor Webb remarked, “it’s almost like the 86th Federalist Paper.” He explained that the document is often overlooked in courses on the Constitution or the American founding, yet it addresses timeless themes like national unity, education, and civic responsibility—topics that remain deeply relevant today.

The students then explored Washington’s estate, touring the mansion, viewing the Potomac River from the first President’s perspective, and paying respects at his and Martha’s tomb. They also visited a memorial honoring the enslaved individuals who lived and labored on the property during Washington’s lifetime.

“Visiting Mount Vernon was the perfect capstone to the semester,” Lucy Koch, a rising 3L said. “We had the opportunity to see not only the beautiful grounds, but also the Presidential Library’s incredible collection of documents, including some that predate our founding and informed so much of what we learned about this year.”

“Visiting George Washington's Mount Vernon, like the other trips we took this semester, was invaluable,” said Alexa Cahill, another rising 3L at Catholic Law. “It brought our classroom lessons to life. Seeing the place where Washington reflected on the country's future and worked to uphold the ideals of the Constitution was an unforgettable educational experience.”