Lives Bound Together: Enslavement at George Washington's Mount Vernon

There were hundreds of people who were enslaved at Mount Vernon during George Washington's lifetime. They lived across the estate and were forced to work to maintain Washington's wealth and lifestyle. They also managed to create their own communities and cultures, despite their bondage.

These resources cover extensive information about the enslaved community at Mount Vernon and the 18th-century world, including global trade, daily life on Washington's five farms, living conditions, freed communities, and more.

Slavery at Mount Vernon

Want to learn more? Watch a short introductory video.

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Lives Bound Together Infographic - How Do We Know?

This infographic centers around primary sources that help us understand the stories of the people who lived and labored at Mount Vernon. Hover over pictures and words for links to more information!

Lives Bound Together Graphics

These graphics explain the stories, statistics, and primary sources that help us understand the lives of the enslaved community at Mount Vernon.

People at Mount Vernon

This visual shows the amount of people who lived at Mount Vernon in 1799.

Farm Report

This visual shows how we can learn information from a 1799 farm report.

The Five Farms

This visual shows the number of men, women, and children who labored on each farm.

Map: The Five Farms

This illustrated map shows the five farms at Mount Vernon.

Seasons

This visual shows what crops were harvested throughout different seasons.

People in the Mansion

This visual shows some of the people who labored in the mansion.

Dinner in the Mansion

This visual shows some of the meals cooked and served in the mansion.

Slavery at Mount Vernon

This visual depicts slavery at Mount Vernon.

Washington and Slavery

George Washington first inherited enslaved people when he was eleven years old, and relied on their labor to run his house and farms throughout the duration of his life.

Slavery at Mount Vernon

Daily Life

Daily life for those who were enslaved varied, dependent on skills, location, and job assignments. People still managed to find joy in their daily lives, despite their situation.

Everyday Lives

Style and Culture

Despite conditions, many people were able to establish families, traditions, and individuality while enslaved at Mount Vernon.

Books and Manuscripts

Information about the enslaved community at Mount Vernon comes from a variety of sources, like farming reports, archaeological artifacts, or newspaper clippings. The Database of the Enslaved Community puts all of these sources together, resulting in an extensive collection for people to read about and research people enslaved at Mount Vernon.

Researching Enslavement

Slavery and Freedom in the 19th Century

What happened to the enslaved population at Mount Vernon after the Washingtons' deaths? Some were freed through George Washington's will, but many were given to grandchildren and relatives, ultimately separating friends and families.

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The People of Lives Bound Together

Lives Bound Together explores the stories of individuals who were enslaved at Mount Vernon. These individuals are represented in silhouettes based on archaeological and archival evidence. You can learn more about their stories by clicking the link.

Read the Biographies

Teaching Enslavement at Mount Vernon

Click the link to access inquiry questions, graphic organizers, lesson plans, and much more to assist in teaching Enslavement at Mount Vernon and the Lives Bound Together exhibit.

Teaching Slavery