Foodways of Colonial Life
Many different types of food were prepared and enjoyed in the 18th century. Explore this page to learn more about who cooked food at Mount Vernon, how food was prepared, and the types of meals served.
Food at Mount Vernon
Food at Mount Vernon came from different places. Some foods were harvested from the gardens and fields. Other foods came from animals on the farms or fish from the river. There were also some foods that were imported from different countries.
Food at Mount Vernon
Slavery and Food
The people enslaved at Mount Vernon received cornmeal and salted fish for rations. They added to their meals by growing gardens, raising chickens, and fishing, among other things.
Foodways of the Ensalved
George Washington's Meals
George Washington enjoyed many different foods prepared by the enslaved cooks. He would often eat a big meal in the afternoon that was made up of lots of different ingredients.
Washington's MealsMake your own butter
Create your own butter with this video.
Explore the Kitchen
A Butter Cooler
George Washington purchased this butter cooler in March of 1790. It came from France and was part of a 309-piece serving set. The cooler was used throughout his presidency.
Recipe for a Great Cake
This recipe was written down by Martha Parke Custis Peter and given to her grandmother, Martha Washington. It was a massive cake that required a lot of butter, eggs, and flour.
Milk Pan
This piece of a milkpan was found near the "House for Families." We don't know who exactly owned it, but there is reason to believe it was used by a person who was enslaved.
Available Resources
Interested in researching colonial foodways? Explore these sources!
- 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)
- Hoecakes and Honey
- Ice Cream
- Washington's Dairy Operations
- Food at Mount Vernon Videos
- Hoecake How-To Recipe
- Butter How-To Recipe
- Ice Cream How-To Recipe
Back to Colonial Days Resources
Click the link to go back to Colonial Days resources
Colonial Days Home