July 1, 2009
by Mount Vernon Education Department
Last weekend, three piglets were born to our proud Ossabaw Island hog parents. These rare breed hogs date back to the Spanish explorers of the 17th century. George Washington’s hogs ran wild in the woods until they were caught, fattened on corn and potatoes, and slaughtered for food each fall. Pork, bacon, sausage, scrapple, chitterlings, and lard were enjoyed by the whole Mount Vernon community, and Martha Washington often presented hams as gifts to relatives and friends. Today these heritage breed hogs are bred at Mount Vernon once a year, much to the delight of the children (and adults) who crowd their pen for a glimpse of the piglets. Fortunately for the hogs, the current Mount Vernon community does not enjoy them in the same way as our 18th-century forebears.
Category: Research/Lectures
