Historical Excavation at Mount Vernon

How many intact glass bottles were discovered at Mount Vernon?

What is the primary purpose of the $40 million revitalization project at Mount Vernon?

When were the glass bottles likely buried under the clay in Mount Vernon?

Which organization is analyzing the preserved fruits found in the bottles?

What is one of the stated reasons for the cherries surviving so well?

What information could DNA analysis of the cherries provide?

What are the scientists hoping to extract from the preserved cherry seeds?

What do the bottles provide a glimpse into for archaeological context?

18th-Century Glass Bottles Found at Mount Vernon

Archaeologists unearthed 35 glass bottles at George Washington's Mount Vernon home, dating back to the 1700s.
29 bottles contained preserved cherries and berries (likely gooseberries or currants).
The bottles were found in six storage pits in the cellar during a $40 million revitalization project.
The bottles were manufactured in England in the mid-1700s.

Preservation of the Fruits

The excellent preservation of the fruits is attributed to a combination of factors, such as the specific type of cherry and the burial conditions.
The bottles were likely buried under clay before 1776, and forgotten after George Washington left in 1775.

Importance of the Discovery

The find provides a rare insight into the daily life and culinary practices of the Washingtons and those around them.
The preserved fruits were carefully removed and sent for analysis at the USDA.
Future research includes extracting DNA from the cherries and comparing it to existing varieties.
- This will help determine the exact species enjoyed.
- It will also provide information on the climate changes in Virginia.
Scientists also intend to try germinating cherry seeds to create a living artifact from American history.

Discover the fascinating findings of 18th-century glass bottles unearthed at George Washington's Mount Vernon. This archaeological treasure trove not only sheds light on the preservation of fruits but also offers insights into the culinary practices of the time. Learn about the impact of this discovery on our understanding of historical daily life.