Archaeologists Unearth 250-Year-Old Treasure Trove of Preserved Cherries at George Washington's Mount Vernon

In a stunning archaeological find, a treasure trove of preserved cherries has been unearthed in the cellar of George Washington's Mount Vernon home. The discovery, announced by Mount Vernon officials, includes 35 glass bottles containing cherries, further adding to the historical significance of the estate.

"Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine this spectacular archaeological discovery," expressed Mount Vernon President Doug Bradburn, underlining the sheer astonishment at the find. The cherries, which also comprised of gooseberries and currants, were concealed in five storage pits within the mansion's cellar. Remarkably, the cherries had been concealed for approximately 250 years before being unearthed during ongoing renovation projects at the estate.

A Testimony of Culinary Prowess

The Mount Vernon officials emphasized the significance of the discovery, attributing it to the knowledge and skill of the enslaved individuals managing the food preparations at the estate. "The bottles and contents are a testament to the knowledge and skill of the enslaved people who managed the food preparations from tree to table," stated Mount Vernon officials. Notably, the artifacts shed light on the culinary expertise of Doll, the cook brought to Mount Vernon by Martha Washington in 1759, who was entrusted with the supervision of the estate's kitchen.

Mount Vernon President Doug Bradburn reflected on the historical context, remarking, "These artifacts likely haven't seen the light of day since before the American Revolution, perhaps forgotten when George Washington departed Mount Vernon to take command of the Continental Army." The quality of the preserved bottles, despite their fragility, has provided valuable insights into the 18th-century environment, plantation foodways, and the origins of American cuisine.

Analyzing the Cherries

Upon analyzing the contents of the bottles, a small sample yielded 54 cherry pits and 23 stems, with the stems found to be neatly cut and left on before the cherries were bottled. Researchers expressed optimism about the potential for DNA extraction and possible germination from the pits, offering a unique opportunity to delve further into the genetic makeup of the preserved cherries.

Reporting on the discovery at George Washington's Mount Vernon home, news editor Cara Tabachnick has provided an insightful perspective, shedding light on the historical significance of the find.