Archaeologists at George Washington’s Mount Vernon have unearthed dozens of glass jars filled with fruit preserves in the cellar of the historic Northern Virginia home that have likely been untouched since before the American Revolution. The jars, with 29 out of the 35 found still intact, contain cherries, gooseberries, or currants. Mount Vernon President & CEO Doug Bradburn described the discovery as unprecedented, stating it could provide valuable insights into the origins of the United States in time for the country’s 250th anniversary in 2026. This find follows the previous discovery of two bottles with cherries, pits, and a mysterious liquid between 1758 and 1776.
The newly discovered bottles have been carefully extracted from storage pits in the cellar of the home and are currently under refrigeration at the property’s archeology lab. The cherry pits and stems found in the jars indicate that the bottles were likely full of cherries when first bottled. The artifacts will undergo scientific analysis in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service once they are dry, and they will then be sent off-site for conservation. This discovery comes as Mount Vernon undergoes a $40 million Mansion Revitalization Project.
It is believed that the fruit preserves were placed underground in the 18th century as a way to keep them fresh in the Virginia heat. The discovery of intact 18th-century food remains is considered extraordinary, due to their fragility and the rare nature of such finds. Experts speculate that the bottles may have been forgotten when George Washington left the home to lead the Continental Army during the Revolution. The artifacts provide a unique opportunity to study the foodways and cuisine of the 18th century, as well as the role of enslaved individuals like Doll, the cook brought to Mount Vernon by Martha Washington in 1759.
The discovery of the fruit preserves adds to the ongoing archaeological efforts at Mount Vernon and highlights the skill and knowledge of the enslaved individuals who managed the food preparations at the estate. The glass bottles, along with the preserved fruits, are seen as a testament to the culinary practices of the time and the complexity of plantation life. The archaeological team will continue to analyze the artifacts to further understand the historical significance of the discovery. The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, the first historic preservation organization in America, is dedicated to the care and preservation of the site’s remarkable finds.
George Washington resided at Mount Vernon along the Potomac River after his marriage in 1759 until his death in 1799. As the first president of the United States, he played a crucial role in the country’s early history. His burial at the home underscores its historical importance, and the ongoing archaeological discoveries provide valuable insights into Washington’s life and the everyday practices of the time. The uncovering of the fruit preserves in the cellar adds a new chapter to Mount Vernon’s rich history, shedding light on the culinary traditions of the 18th century and the contributions of the enslaved individuals who labored at the estate.
