Archaeology Online

Limestone marble.

Limestone | Object #: 1839776

The object pictured here is a simple toy marble. It is made of limestone and polished smooth. While it is always difficult to associate an archaeological item with a singular person, it is possible a toy such as this would have been used if not owned by one of the many enslaved children living ...

Small straight pin with handmade head

Copper Alloy | Object #: 1851503

This complete copper alloy straight pin was manufactured by hand, as the wound wire head indicates. In the eighteenth century pins were coated with tin alloy that would have made them shinier in appearance. Individuals in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries used straight pins for many purpo...

Large straight pin with handmade head

Copper Alloy | Object #: 1851509

This complete copper alloy straight pin was manufactured by hand, as the wound wire head indicates. In the eighteenth century pins were coated with tin alloy that would have made them shinier in appearance. Individuals in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries used straight pins for many purpo...

Small straight pin with handmade head

Copper Alloy | Object #: 1851516

This complete copper alloy straight pin was manufactured by hand, as the wound wire head indicates. In the eighteenth century pins were coated with tin alloy that would have made them shinier in appearance. Individuals in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries used straight pins for many purpo...

Small straight pin with handmade head and visible tinning

Copper Alloy | Object #: 1851519

This complete copper alloy straight pin was manufactured by hand, as the wound wire head indicates. In the eighteenth century pins were coated with tin alloy, which is apparent on this example. Individuals in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries used straight pins for many purposes. In addit...

Complete corn kernel

Organic | Object #: 1881090

One complete burnt corn kernel. Latin name: Zea mays. Maize is native to the Americas and was the most-provisioned starchy staple for all the individuals on the Mount Vernon estate. (McKnight, Justine W. 2015 "A Study of Macro-botanical Remains Recovered from the House for Families at Geor...

9 complete wheat seeds.

Organic | Object #: 1881129

9 complete burnt wheat seeds. Latin name: Triticum aestivum. Wheat was brought to America with the English colonists. It was extensively grown at Mount Vernon especially after the 1760 when Wheat and other cereal grains became Washington's primary cash crop. (McKnight, Justine W. 2015. &qu...

5 complete cherry pits.

Organic | Object #: 1881167

5 complete cherry pits. Latin name: Prunus sp. There are many species of wild cherries that are native to Virginia, however English varieties were grown and eaten in Virginia as well. Wild cherries were used for medicinal purposes. (McKnight, Justine W. 2015. "A Study of Macro-botanical Re...

1 complete peach pit.

Organic | Object #: 1881193

One complete burnt peach pit. Latin name: Prunus persica. Peach trees were one of the most desirable fruit trees in the 18th century and Washington grew at least three varieties at Mount Vernon. Peaches were grown at Mount Vernon to produce brandy. (McKnight, Justine W. 2015. "A Study of M...

35 complete oat seeds.

Organic | Object #: 1885252

35 complete burnt oat seeds. Latin name: Avena sativa. Oats were brought to American by the Europeans early in the colonial period. They were extensively cultivated at Mount Vernon especially after 1760 when Washington transitioned from tobacco to cereal grains as the main cash crop. (Mcknight...

Complete huckleberry seed.

Organic | Object #: 1885324

One complete burnt huckleberry seed. Latin name: Gaylussacia sp. Huckleberries are native to North America and wild huckleberries were gathered in Virginia. (McKnight, Justine W. 2015. "A Study of Macro-botanical Remains Recovered from the House for Families at George Washington?s Mount Ve...

Two complete grape seeds.

Organic | Object #: 1885376

Two complete burnt grape seeds. Latin name: Vitis sp. Washington grew both grapes native to Eastern North America and Europe in attempt to establish a wine industry at Mount Vernon. (McKnight, Justine W. 2015. " A Study of Macro-botanical Remains Recovered from the House for Families at Ge...

Complete poke seed.

Organic | Object #: 1885517

One complete burnt poke seed. Latin name: Phytolacca americana. Pokeweed is a toxic plant that has emetic properties. Young shoots have are less toxic and were used as a potherb. Poke was used medicinally for its emetic, cathartic, alterative, and deobstruent properties. (McKnight, Justine W. ...

One raspberry/blueberry seed.

Organic | Object #: 1885524

one burnt raspberry/blueberry seed. Latin name: Rubus sp. There are many wild raspberry/blueberry varieties native to North America, however other varieties were brought from Europe and hybridized with the native plants. They were eaten fresh and preserved and were abundant and favoured. They ...

Complete common bean.

Organic | Object #: 1885526

one complete burnt common bean. Latin name: Phaseolus vulgaris. European colonists adopted cultivation of common bean from the Native Americans. Washington cultivated a variety of beans. (McKnight, Justine W. 2015. "A Study of Macro-botanical Remains Recovered from the House for Families ...

Pot Hook

Iron | Object #: 2521388

Chest/Furniture Lock Plate

Copper Alloy | Object #: 2521402