Colonial Life
These resources explore what colonial life was like in early America through foodways, textile creation, and archaeological discoveries. They also accompany Mount Vernon's in-person Colonial Days. Scroll to explore resources on colonial life!
Foodways
The types of food and the ways food was prepared in the 18th century are somewhat different than today's standards. Most ingredients were grown or imported, and many things - like butter - had to be prepared ahead of time.
Textiles
Textiles were important in Colonial America, and were either imported from overseas or created at home. Many textiles were created at Mount Vernon through spinning, sewing, and weaving.
Archaeology
We know a lot about what people ate and how they lived by what they left behind. Much of this is shown through archaeological discoveries - broken pieces of pots, cups, seeds, and materials help us piece stories together.
Teaching Colonial Life
Looking to teach colonial life in the classroom? Click the link for additional project ideas, activity suggestions, and other resources that support teachers in the classroom. These are geared towards K-6 grades, but are open to all.
Take a Virtual Tour
Click the link to explore the Mount Vernon Mansion
Primary Sources
Discover available primary sources on colonial life!
- Martha Washington on Preserving Cherries
- Recipe for a Great Cake
- Butter Cooler
- George Washington to James Anderson on butter, 1799
- Milk Pan Rim
- George Washington to Anthony Whitting on the Dairy, 1792
- Agreement with Edward Violet (on leasing people for the Dairy)
- Spinning and Weaving Ledgers, 1768
- Washington's Weaving Accounts, 1767-1771
- George Washington's Waistcoat
- Presidential Coat
- Martha Washington's Dress
- Recipe for Making and Mending Clothes
- Receipt for 1000 Needles, 1795
- A Letter Asking about Needles by the Thousand
- Spinning Report, 1793
- House for Families Archaeology
- Primary Source Collections
- Division of Dower Slaves, 1802
- Spinning House Ledger
- Distillery Ledger
- Weaving Ledger, 1777
Secondary Sources
Discover available secondary sources on colonial life!
- The Animals on the Farm
- Hoecakes and Honey
- Ice Cream
- Washington's Dairy Operations
- Food at Mount Vernon
- Enslavement at Mount Vernon
- Lives Bound Together Virtual Exhibit
- Biographies of People Enslaved at Mount Vernon
- Video Biographies of People Enslaved at Mount Vernon
- Housing of People Enslaved at Mount Vernon
- Labor in the Mansion
- The House for Families
- Ask an Archaeologist
- Daily Life of Enslaved Population
Are You Attending Colonial Days?
If you've registered for Mount Vernon's 2024 Colonial Days Program, click the link below for details regarding your visit. If you have not registered and are interested in this field trip opportunity for your elementary class, click here.