Mount Vernon in Alexandria in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Peter Hardiman and Family
| | George Washingtons Mount Vernon Estate | |
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, August 9, 2025
1. Peter Hardiman and Family Marker
"By the Estate of John Parke Custis, paid Doctor Stuart for the hire of Peter Hardiman one year £12"
Ledger of George Washington August 18, 1797
George Washington purchased an Arabian racing horse named Magnolia from the estate of Mrs. Washington's son, John Parke Custis in the 1780s. Peter Hardiman, an enslaved groom, was leased from the Custis estate and relocated to Mount Vernon with Magnolia. Peter and other enslaved men and boys, including Peter's son Wilson and a coachman named Paris, were responsible for the well-being and breeding of both horses and mules. Peter married Caroline Branham, an enslaved chamber maid, and together raised a family of eight children. By Virginia law, Peter's family was considered property of the Custis estate. When Washington died, many enslaved families were split apart as the Custis heirs inherited human property and moved them to varying plantations. Peter and his family remained together as they were all inherited by Mrs. Washington's grandson.
Erected by George Washingtons Mount Vernon.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Animals. A significant historical year for this entry is 1780.
Location. 38° 42.458′ N, 77° 5.227′ W. Marker
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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: Horses (a few steps from this marker); Washington's Vehicles (a few steps from this marker); Powel Coach (a few steps from this marker); Dung Repository (within shouting distance of this marker); Espaliers and Cordons (within shouting distance of this marker); Lower (Kitchen) Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Exciting Discoveries (within shouting distance of this marker); The Mount Vernon Ladies Association (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
Also see . . .
1. Horses - George Washington. (Submitted on August 19, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Stables | George Washingtons Mount Vernon. (Submitted on August 19, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, August 9, 2025
2. Peter Harriman and Family Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 19, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 95 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 19, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
