Podcast
Questions and Answers
How many glass bottles were found in George Washington's Mount Vernon home?
How many glass bottles were found in George Washington's Mount Vernon home?
What types of fruit were likely to be found in the intact bottles?
What types of fruit were likely to be found in the intact bottles?
Where were the bottles believed to have been made?
Where were the bottles believed to have been made?
What was the purpose of the excavation at Mount Vernon?
What was the purpose of the excavation at Mount Vernon?
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What variety of cherries is suggested to have been found in the bottles?
What variety of cherries is suggested to have been found in the bottles?
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What was the likely fate of the bottles after George Washington left Mount Vernon?
What was the likely fate of the bottles after George Washington left Mount Vernon?
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What organization is responsible for analyzing the preserved fruits?
What organization is responsible for analyzing the preserved fruits?
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What do scientists plan to do with the cherry seeds found in the bottles?
What do scientists plan to do with the cherry seeds found in the bottles?
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Study Notes
18th-Century Glass Bottles Found at Mount Vernon
- Archaeologists unearthed 35 glass bottles at George Washington's Mount Vernon home, dating back to the mid-1700s.
- 29 bottles contained perfectly preserved cherries and berries (likely gooseberries or currants).
- The discovery was made during a $40 million revitalization project excavating six cellar storage pits.
- The bottles were manufactured in England.
- Likely buried under clay before 1776, possibly forgotten after Washington left in 1775.
Preserved Fruit and Historical Significance
- The preserved fruits offer a rare look into the 18th-century lifestyle and culinary practices of the Washingtons and their community.
- The bottles were likely used for food storage and are believed to have belonged to the enslaved community.
- The fruits were sent to USDA scientists for analysis and DNA extraction.
- Initial reports suggest the cherries were a tart variety, contributing to their preservation.
- The project aims to identify the exact cherry species and how Virginia's climate has changed.
- The scientists aim to germinate cherry seeds to create a living historical artifact.
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Description
Discover the fascinating findings of archaeologists who unearthed 35 glass bottles at George Washington's Mount Vernon, dating back to the mid-1700s. These bottles, containing preserved fruits, provide a unique glimpse into the 18th-century lifestyle and the culinary practices of the time. Explore the significance of this discovery in understanding the historical context of food storage and its connection to the enslaved community.
