Life Under Slavery

Families were often separated by miles. Field-workers could be assigned to any one of the five farms without regards to their wives, husbands, or children. So efforts had to be made to share whatever free time they could with loved ones.

The standard rations Washington allotted enslaved people were cornmeal and salted fish—almost all harvested by slaves themselves.

Since enslaved house servants were highly visible, Washington provided them more and better-quality clothing than field workers.

Depending on where enslaved people lived and worked their housing varied. 

Maintaining customs and community allowed Mount Vernon’s enslaved people to affirm their humanity in a world that denied it.

Though we don't have documentation from the enslaved workers, Washington’s records reveal how they resisted slavery in small but significant ways and the punishments they received for doing so.

The Washingtons relied on enslaved butlers, cooks, waiters, and housemaids to support their daily lives.

Both enslaved men and women served as cooks at Mount Vernon. Explore what was expected of an enslaved cook in this timeline.

In 1799, more than 50 enslaved men and women were trained in specific trades that kept parts of Mount Vernon’s operation self-sufficient.

The majority of enslaved laborers at Mount Vernon performed agricultural work on the estate’s four outlying farms. By 1799, women outnumbered men, who were more likely to be trained in a trade.

George Washington expected his workforce to get as much done as possible every day. Explore what was expected of an enslaved field worker in this timeline.  

A team of Mount Vernon staff and volunteers spent more than two years analyzing Washington’s papers and compiling references to the enslaved people who lived and worked on his plantation. Use this database to explore Mount Vernon’s enslaved community.

Take an in-depth look at the archaeological findings at the Slave Cemetery at Mount Vernon. Explore interactive maps, fascinating imagery, and more.

This sacred ground, used as the cemetery for the enslaved and free blacks who worked at Mount Vernon during the 18th century.