Mount Vernon in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Red Devon Cattle
In the years following the American Revolution, George Washington had between 300 and 350 head of cattle at Mount Vernon. This herd, which included different breeds, provided the estate with meat, milk to make butter, leather for clothing and shoes and working animals for the fields. The estate's cattle grazed in surrounding woodlands and neighbors. In order to identify his stock, Washington had his cattle marked with a "GW" brand.
The cattle on the estate today are Red Devons, a heritage breed that was present in Virginia during Washington's time. Mount Vernon currently owns several pairs of Red Devons that are trained to pull wagons and perform other 18th-century agricultural tasks.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list.
Location. 38° 42.493′ N, 77° 5.343′ W. Marker is in Mount Vernon, Virginia, in Fairfax County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Mount Vernon
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ossabaw Island Hogs (within shouting distance of this marker); Fruit Garden and Nursery (within shouting distance of this marker); Seed Beds (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Nursery Beds (about 400 feet away); Forest (about 400 feet away); Colonial Revival Garden (about 400 feet away); George Washington (about 400 feet away); Native Americans (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mount Vernon.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 109 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
