Near Mount Vernon in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Ossabaw Island Hogs

Photographed by Evan Olson, March 23, 2022

1. Ossabaw Island Hogs Marker

Inscription. In the summer of 1799, George Washington noted that while he had "a large stock of Hogs—the precise number is uknown." Identifying the number of hogs on the estate was difficult because many were allowed to run free and graze in the surrounding woodlands where they ate roots, chestnuts, acorns, walnuts, and wild herbs.

Today, Mount Vernon is home to Ossabaw Island hogs, a rare and endangered breed similar to the ones that roamed the estate in the 18th century. We believe that these animals are descendants of Spanish pigs brought to the Americas more than 400 years ago. Mount Vernon participates in an active breeding program to support the Ossabaw Island hogs' survival.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals. A significant historical year for this entry is 1799.

Location. 38° 42.492′ N, 77° 5.304′ W. Marker is near Mount Vernon, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It can be reached from the intersection of Mount Vernon Memorial Highway (Virginia Route 235) and George Washington Memorial Parkway, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mount Vernon VA 22121, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area

and in Northern Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Red Devon Cattle (within shouting distance of this

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marker); Colonial Revival Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Fruit Garden and Nursery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Seed Beds (about 300 feet away); Nursery Beds (about 300 feet away); Fence and Ditch (about 300 feet away); Lower (Kitchen) Garden (about 300 feet away); Bowling Green (about 400 feet away).

Also see . . . George Washington's Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association (Submitted on March 30, 2022.)

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, August 9, 2025

2. Ossabaw Island Hogs Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 27, 2022, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 208 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 28, 2022, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on August 9, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.