250 year-old cherry stash of this US President found in Virginia

A remarkable new discovery has connected us directly to the culinary practices of 18th century America. Archaeologists have unearthed a 250-year-old stash of cherries at George Washington’s historic Mount Vernon estate in Virginia. This find not only provides a tangible link to America’s first president but also offers insight into the preservation methods of the time.The discovery was made in the cellar of Washington’s home, where two glass bottles full of cherries were found. These bottles, sealed and intact, contained cherries that remarkably still bore the characteristic scent of cherry blossoms. The cherries, along with stems and pits, were preserved within the liquid contents, suggesting that they were intended to be consumed at a later date.
The cherries were likely preserved using a method common in the 18th century, which involved drying the fruits as much as possible, placing them in a dry bottle, corking it tightly, and then burying it. This technique was believed to keep the fruits edible for extended periods. The fact that these cherries have survived for over two centuries is a testament to the effectiveness of such preservation methods.

Interestingly, the cherries weren’t picked by Washington himself but by one of the hundreds of enslaved individuals living at Mount Vernon at the time. The bottles were placed in a small rectangular pit, probably dug by an enslaved person, and then covered with soil. This aspect of the discovery serves as a poignant reminder of the complex history of Mount Vernon and the lives of those who labored under cruel conditions there.
The initial hypothesis was that the bottles might contain Cherry Bounce, a favorite drink of Washington made with brandy, spice, sugar, and cherry juice. However, further analysis is required to determine the exact nature of the liquid in which the cherries were preserved.

The cherries were removed from the bottles to help preserve the glass, which hadn’t been exposed to the atmosphere for centuries. The contents will be sent to a lab for analysis, where specialists will test them in a controlled environment to learn more about the preservation liquid and the cherries themselves.

This discovery is part of a larger Mansion Revitalization Project at Mount Vernon, a privately funded initiative aimed at preserving and enhancing the historical integrity of George Washington’s home. Such finds are rare and offer a unique glimpse into the daily life and practices of one of the most significant figures in American history.

As we reflect on this discovery, it’s fascinating to consider the continuity of certain traditions and the evolution of others. The cherries, once a simple preserved food item, have become historical artifacts that connect us to the past in a very tangible way. They remind us of the ingenuity and of the enslaved people who worked on plantations across the US south and provide us with a glimpse at their lives. More than just a culinary curiosity, these cherries are a symbol of the complexities of American history—a history that continues to reveal its secrets and surprises to this day.