7. The Washington Family (Virginia)
As descendants of George Washington, the family faced significant challenges following the Civil War. Mount Vernon and other holdings barely survived wartime turmoil. Charitable foundations helped preserve estate history, but their antebellum wealth vanished. The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association acquired the estate in 1860, ensuring its preservation. However, the Washington family’s financial standing declined, and they were compelled to sell properties, including Claymont Court, due to economic hardships (washingtonpost.com).
