Skip to main content

Notes

Uniform in profile, appears to retain 1 (possibly 2) original edges. One face has 1 X and a series of parallel lines cutting faintly into the surface. Possibly from use as architectural material, or possibly re-purposed as writing surface.


Object Type


Has it Been Conserved?

No


Where Was It Found?

Project Site: House for Families [more details]


Material

Slate


Manufacturing Technology

Cut


Form

Unidentified


Completeness

Incomplete


Date


Country of Origin

Indeterminate


Dimensions

48.71mm x 4.81mm x 57.02mm (W x H x L)


Illustration shows object in comparison to the size of a quarter


Weight

18.8 gram(s)


Object Number

1832403

DAACS Number

1832403


Project: House for Families

The structure identified as the “House for Families” on the 1787 Vaughan plan likely housed the majority of the enslaved population living at the Mansion House Farm for much of the second half of the eighteenth century. The building was in existence from circa 1760 until it was demolished in late 1792 or early 1793. The archaeological evidence for the structure consisted of a brick-lined storage cellar (44FX762/40-47) measuring roughly six feet by six feet. Historically the cellar served as a handy trash receptacle once it ceased to be used for its original storage function, and through extensive excavation has yielded an extremely rich assemblage of household refuse. The analysis of these remains offers the opportunity to study important aspects of the daily lives of Mount Vernon's enslaved community.

See All Objects From this Dig
Mount Vernon's object research is ongoing and information about this object is subject to change. For information on image use and reproductions, click here.