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List of Enslaved, 1799

Instructions:
Read and analyze the source by completing the Analysis Routine below. When you have finished, select the BACK TO MAP button to explore the other sources provided.

George Washington directed over 300 enslaved people on his plantation by 1799. He created this document to keep a record of all the individuals on his five farms. Within each entry there is a lot of information: you can find out who the enslaved person was married to, if they had any children, or what work assignment they had. You can also find out where an enslaved person lived, and who their slaveholder was.

Complete the Analysis Routine

1. Describe what you see on the original document. What do you notice first? How much of the document can you read?

2. Compare the original document with the transcript. Can you conclude anything more about the document?

3. Why do you think this document, called a list or census, was created? Who do you think wrote it, and who did they write it for?

4. Find the listing for Kitty. What is her role? On what farm does she live? What else do you know about her life based on this document?

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