As part of our ongoing effort to research the enslaved communities that once lived and worked at Historic Kenmore and George Washington’s Ferry Farm, we recently came across some very unusual information pertaining to a young enslaved woman named Charlotte who resided at Kenmore. Charlotte, unfortunately, is a somewhat enigmatic figure. We know only a … Continue reading Charlotte and the Mercury Pills
history of medicine
Bad Medicines: Mercury and Self-Medication in the Civil War
During the Civil War, George Washington’s Ferry Farm was the site of Union Army encampments that included some defensive works like a trench dug into the crest of the ridge overlooking the river. In that trench and throughout Ferry Farm’s landscape, Union soldiers lost and threw away a wide array of military gear and personal … Continue reading Bad Medicines: Mercury and Self-Medication in the Civil War
Bad Medicines: Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup
It’s hard to believe that there was once a time when products weren’t covered in labels listing all their ingredients in great detail. We are used to labels promising the absence of unhealthy chemicals. We are accustomed to labels warning when a product was packaged in the same facility as an allergen. Product safety is … Continue reading Bad Medicines: Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup
Summer Vacation, 18th Century Style
Despite issues of poor roads, lack of transportation, financial considerations and simply an absence of places to go, colonial Virginians fancied a summer vacation just as much as we do today. In fact, getting out of the city, or away from hot, steamy climates and hordes of mosquitoes in the summer months was actually necessary … Continue reading Summer Vacation, 18th Century Style
‘Now With No Morphine!’: A Look at Patent Medicine Bottles Donated to Ferry Farm
Recently, George Washington’s Ferry Farm received a generous donation of bottles from the Mary Ball Washington Museum and Library. For the most part they date from the late 19th to early 20th century and therefore have no connection to the Washingtons. However, our Archaeology Department can certainly use them for a type collection. A type … Continue reading ‘Now With No Morphine!’: A Look at Patent Medicine Bottles Donated to Ferry Farm
The President’s Cough
“The day being Rainy & Stormy – myself much disordered by a cold and inflammation in the left eye, I was prevented from visiting Lexington (where the first blood in the dispute with Great Britain) was drawn.” – George Washington, October 26, 1789 The sounds of sniffling, hacking, and sneezing, are everywhere, whether at a … Continue reading The President’s Cough
Lecture – Betty Washington Lewis and Women’s Health [Video]
On Tuesday, May 1, 2018, Dr. Kelly Brennan Arehart, Manager of Interpretation & Visitor Services at The George Washington Foundation, presented a lecture titled “Betty Washington Lewis and Women's Health.” Betty Washington Lewis gave birth to 11 children; a feat almost unheard of today. Kelly explored Betty’s journey from childhood to womanhood, from maiden to … Continue reading Lecture – Betty Washington Lewis and Women’s Health [Video]
Finding a Boyd’s Battery: An “Electrifying” Ferry Farm Story
"THE BLOOD IS THE LIFE!" ACCOMPLISHED AT LAST! THE EFFICACY OF ELECTRICITY!! Nearly all Diseases Effectually Cured by BOYD’S MINIATURE GALVANIC BATTERY! This is the opening pitch of an 1879 advertising circular for a popular medical medallion called a Boyd’s Battery. The battery was a disc, about 1¼ inch in diameter, meant to hang from … Continue reading Finding a Boyd’s Battery: An “Electrifying” Ferry Farm Story
The Fly …uh, Snail… in the Ointment …Pot
It’s flu season again. And for most of us who get sick that means a trip to the doctor, perhaps some prescribed medicines, and lots of rest. But what did George Washington do when he got sick? Although most of us likely think of our first president as perpetually healthy and strong, he was actually … Continue reading The Fly …uh, Snail… in the Ointment …Pot
Washington, Smallpox, and the Fight for Independence
Living in Colonial America, disease and illness were defining challenges and perpetual threats of human existence. At the time, there was no concept of infection or germ-theory, no vaccines, no really effective treatments for infectious disease and few public health measures that could reliably curb epidemics.[1] For colonial Americans, it was not a matter of … Continue reading Washington, Smallpox, and the Fight for Independence
Lives & Legacies 