For Immediate Release
December 20, 2005
Digital images available

Media Contact:
Melissa Wood (703) 799-5203
mwood@mountvernon.org

MOUNT VERNON, Va. – In observance of Black History Month, February 1 through 28, Mount Vernon will honor the slaves who lived and worked at George Washington’s estate with a daily 12 p.m. wreathlaying at the Slave Memorial and detailed historic interpretation at the slave quarters. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, historic interpreters will show visitors the slave quarters and discuss all aspects of slave life including the family life, diet, work, and resistance efforts of Mount Vernon’s slave community. All Black History Month events are included in the regular admission price to the estate.

The daily wreathlaying at the Slave Memorial remembers and recognizes slaves for their sacrifices, accomplishments and contributions. The Mount Vernon Slave Memorial is believed to be the only such tribute at a plantation in the United States to the African Americans who were enslaved there. Located approximately 50 yards southwest of George Washington's tomb, the Slave Memorial is near the slave burial ground. The burial ground was used as a cemetery for slaves and free blacks who worked for the Washington family during the 18th century and the first half of the 19th century. The graves are unmarked, and the identities and numbers of those buried remain largely unknown. The memorial, designed by Howard University architecture students in 1983, features a granite column atop three concentric circles, with the words “faith," hope" and "love" engraved on the circles. The inscription reads, "In the memory of the Afro-Americans who served as slaves at Mount Vernon.”

At the slave quarters visitors see a reconstruction of one housing unit based on available records and archaeological findings. Visitors learn that this one room might have housed an entire extended family or male artisans whose wives and families may have lived on one of the outlying farms or another plantation. Much of the documented information for this interpretation comes from Washington’s meticulous writings, including his diary and ledgers, as well as correspondence with his resident farm managers and plantation overseers. Former slaves and their families also contributed to available information through their recollections and family histories.

George Washington was born into a society that accepted slavery, inheriting slaves from his father at the age of 11. When he and Martha Custis married in 1759, their combined slave community at Mount Vernon numbered about 50. According to records, Washington purchased approximately 50 slaves between 1754 and 1772, just two years before the Revolutionary War. It was during the War, when Washington led the new nation in its battle for freedom, that his views on slavery began to change, eventually leading to his resolve never to buy or sell another slave. In 1797, just two years before his death, Washington wrote to Lawrence Lewis saying, “I wish from my soul that the legislature of this State could see a policy of gradual abolition of slavery.” During his presidency, Washington privately advocated a policy of gradual emancipation through legislative action.

Washington provided for the emancipation of his slaves in his last will and testament. In addition to freedom, he left detailed instructions for the continued care and support of the elderly and children. Many newly freed slaves lived at Mount Vernon as pensioners into the 1830s. Of the 316 slaves living at Mount Vernon in 1799, 123 belonged to George Washington. Those 123 slaves were freed on January 1, 1801.

Events, programs, and activities are subject to change. Public Information: 703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD); www.mountvernon.org

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