Activity 1

Click to view 1793 map of Washington's farms

Due to the increased yield at his farms, General Washington needs a storage barn, in addition to the 16-sided treading barn.

1. Locate the 16-sided treading barn on Dogue Run Farm, and the gristmill.



2. Determine the best site for a storage barn, based on location and access to the treading barn and the mill.



3. Create an inventory of tools, crops, and animals that will be stored in the new barn.



4. Sketch an interior design for the new barn.



5. Send the plan to General Washington in Philadelphia with a letter explaining the need for a new storage barn. Convince the General that your new barn design will improve farming at Mount Vernon.

Activity II

If available, find harvested wheat, still on its stalk. Test George Washington's design for his treading barn floor.

1. Place two boards one inch apart. Tread out or beat the wheat on the boards. Do the same thing with the boards placed 1 1/2 inches apart; 2 inches apart; and 2 1/2 inches apart.

Activity III

General Washington firmly believes in crop rotation. While he is away in Philadelphia, you, his farm manager, must ensure that the rotation scheme is closely followed. The first year of planting and harvesting has just finished.

Examine the crop rotation scheme. Write a detailed report to the overseer explaining what crops will be planted and in which field during the 2nd year of the current rotation scheme.

Activity IV

General Washington experimented with many methods of improving his soil. Is the soil at your school ready for planting crops?

1. Collect a pot of soil from your school grounds or home garden.



2. Examine the soil. What does it look like? Is it hard and compact or light and fluffy?



3. What is its texture? Is it dry and dusty or moist and crumbly?



4. Add a teaspoon of water to a small sample of your soil.



5. Pick up a sample of the moistened soil and squeeze it in the palm of your hand.



6. What happens? Does it hold together or fall apart?