Dozens of bottles of cherries found by archeologists at the home of the United States’ first president
The historic discovery comes during a $40 million Mansion Revitalization Project meant to strengthen and restore the home ahead of America’s 250th birthday in 2026. George Washington lived at Mount Vernon from 1754 until his death in 1799.
Archeologists find dozens of bottles of cherries at George Washington's Mount Vernon home
Archaeologists at Mount Vernon home have unearthed artifacts that have been deemed
MOUNT VERNON, Va. - Archaeologists at George Washington’s Mount Vernon home have unearthed artifacts that have been deemed "spectacular" with experts now in possession of dozens of bottles of perfectly preserved fruit that are thought to be around 250 years old.
The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, owners of George Washington’s home since 1860, said 37 bottles of cherries and berries have been found in storage pits in the cellar of the estate, with efforts underway that might result in additional discoveries.
The excavation, part of the estate’s ongoing $40 million Mansion Revitalization Project, aims to preserve such historical items and enhance the estate’s structural and environmental conditions.
"Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine this spectacular archaeological discovery," Doug Bradburn, Mount Vernon president & CEO, said in a statement.
Historians believe the bottles may date back to around 1775 when Washington departed Virginia to take command of the Continental Army during escalating tensions with the British.
WAR TROPHY FROM GEORGE WASHINGTON’S ARMY DISCOVERED AMID BRITISH SHIPWRECK
The association says the bottles have now been carefully removed and are now in refrigerated storage at the estate.
"We now possess a bounty of artifacts and matter to analyze that may provide a powerful glimpse into the origins of our nation, and we are crossing our fingers that the cherry pits discovered will be viable for future germination," Bradburn stated.
The cherries are said to be in such a preserved state that DNA extraction will help determine their precise species, and pits are being studied for their potential for future germination.
"These perfectly preserved fruits picked and prepared more than 250 years ago provide an incredibly rare opportunity to contribute to our knowledge of the 18th-century environment, plantation foodways, and the origins of American cuisine. The bottles and contents are a testament to the knowledge and skill of the enslaved people who managed the food preparations from tree to table," Jason Boroughs, an archaeologist at Mount Vernon, stated.
The discovery coincides with preparations for America’s 250th anniversary, marking the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress.
![George Washington's Mount Vernon unearthed 37 glass bottles]()
Image 1 of 4Archaeologists at George Washington’s Mount Vernon have unearthed 35 glass bottles from the 18th century in five storage pits in the Mansion cellar of the nation’s first president. Of the 35 bottles, 29 are intact and contain perfectly preserved cherries and berries, likely gooseberries or currants. (Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association)
![Archaeologists at George Washington’s Mount Vernon have unearthed 37 glass bottles from the 18th century in five storage pits in the Mansion cellar of the nation’s first president.]()
Image 2 of 4Archaeologists at George Washington’s Mount Vernon have unearthed 37 glass bottles from the 18th century in five storage pits in the Mansion cellar of the nation’s first president. (Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association)
![Archaeologists at George Washington’s Mount Vernon have unearthed 37 glass bottles from the 18th century in five storage pits in the Mansion cellar of the nation’s first president.]()
Image 3 of 4Archaeologists at George Washington’s Mount Vernon have unearthed 37 glass bottles from the 18th century in five storage pits in the Mansion cellar of the nation’s first president. (Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association)
![Archaeologists at George Washington’s Mount Vernon have unearthed 37 glass bottles from the 18th century in five storage pits in the Mansion cellar of the nation’s first president.]()
Image 4 of 4Archaeologists at George Washington’s Mount Vernon have unearthed 37 glass bottles from the 18th century in five storage pits in the Mansion cellar of the nation’s first president. (Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association)
THE HISTORY OF GEORGE WASHINGTON’S WEATHERVANE
Extensive planning is underway to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the country’s independence on July 4, 2026.
To find out about events that the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission has planned, visit: https://america250.org