In a remarkable archaeological discovery, two intact bottles containing liquid and preserved cherries from the 1770s have been unearthed at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. The bottles were discovered during a project to rehabilitate the mansion’s foundation. Archaeologist Nick Beard spotted the mouth of the first bottle last fall and carefully excavated it. Upon inspection, the team was stunned to find it filled with liquid and cherry pits. A second bottle was also discovered nearby.
Experts believe the bottles were buried between 1758 and 1776 and likely contained cherries picked at Mount Vernon. The imported bottles date to the mid-1700s, suggesting they were purchased in England. The cherries were probably preserved using a common 18th-century method involving drying and burying them in dry bottles.
The discovery provides valuable insights into the culinary practices and preservation methods of the time. It also sheds light on the daily lives of the enslaved people who worked at Mount Vernon, as they likely played a role in preserving and storing the cherries.
The contents of the bottles were carefully removed and preserved for further analysis. The liquid and cherries will be studied to gain a better understanding of their composition and flavor. Archaeologists believe there may be more undiscovered bottles buried nearby and will continue excavations in the coming weeks.
This exceptional find has captivated historians and archaeologists alike, offering a tangible connection to the past and a glimpse into the lives of those who lived and worked at George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
