Mount Vernon near Alexandria in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Punt
A punt is a flat-bottomed boat with a square-cut bow that was designed for use on small rivers or other shallow water. This type of vessel was very common in 18th-century America. George Washington's records show that punts were used by hired and enslaved workers to move between his farms and to transport goods to Alexandria and Georgetown.
Sambo Anderson, one of George Washington's enslaved carpenters at Mansion House Farm, had a punt that he probably used to cross Little Hunting Creek in order to visit River Farm, where his wife and children lived. Although Washington owned many boats, he sometimes borrowed Anderson's small vessel. Years later, Anderson recalled that Washington always asked permission to use the boat and invariably returned it to the location where he found it.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list.
Location. 38° 42.3′ N, 77° 5.387′ W. Marker is near Alexandria, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It is in Mount Vernon. Marker can be reached from the intersection of George Washington Memorial Parkway and Mount Vernon Highway (Virginia Route
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Batteau Design (a few steps from this marker); George Washington's Fisheries (a few steps from this marker); Batteau Construction Project (a few steps from this marker); Sundries Field (within shouting distance of this marker); Visionary Farmer (within shouting distance of this marker); Advantageous Fencing (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Slavery at Mount Vernon (about 400 feet away); The Potomac Watershed (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
Additional commentary.
1. About Samuel "Sambo" Anderson
Despite Anderson's nickname, he is not believed to be the source of the racist caricature.
— Submitted September 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 124 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
