These hogs date back to the Spanish explorers of the 17th century. George Washington's hogs ran wild in the woods until they were caught, fattened on corn and potatoes, and slaughtered for food each fall. Pork, bacon, sausage, scrapple, chitterlings, and lard were enjoyed by the whole Mount Vernon community.

Mrs. Washington often presented hams as gifts to relatives and friends. Today this 18th-century breed is bred at Mount Vernon once a year and birth a litter of four to eight piglets each spring. See them in the pig pen near the Fruit Garden and Nursery.

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