Discovering 18th-Century Glass Bottles Filled with Cherries at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Residence
Archaeologists recently unearthed two 250-year-old glass bottles filled with cherries at Mount Vernon, the former home of U.S. President George Washington. The discovery was made during a $40 million renovation project at the historic plantation in Alexandria, Virginia. The dark-green bottles, manufactured in Europe in the 1740s and 50s, were found intact and sealed, giving a glimpse into 18th-century life at Mount Vernon. Researchers believe the cherries were likely harvested, bottled, and stored by enslaved individuals who worked on the plantation. The bottles will be preserved and analyzed before being put on display at Mount Vernon, with the possibility of more similar finds as excavation continues. The renovation project is set to be completed in 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding.
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Elara Voss, graduated from the Royal College of Art in London with a Master’s in Fine Art. She specializes in contemporary sculpture and installation art, exploring themes of nature and human interaction. Elara’s works have been featured in several group exhibitions across Europe, and she is currently working on her first solo show.