Think about a portrait or painting of George Washington. What is a common element in the paintings? His uniform, yes, he is indeed painted quite a bit in his impressive military uniform. But how about a horse? George is often painted riding beautiful horses with a quiet dignity and noble appearance we expect from the … Continue reading Horsing Around: Archeological Finds at Ferry Farm
horse tack
The Mystery of the Mane Comb… SOLVED!
A little more than a year ago we published a blog post highlighting a horse’s mane comb excavated years ago at George Washington’s Boyhood Home at Ferry Farm. Though the rusty iron mane comb was incomplete, a lone, decorative “G” located along the top of the comb hinted at a longer name we hoped might … Continue reading The Mystery of the Mane Comb… SOLVED!
The Mystery of the Mane Comb
Before there were planes, trains, and automobiles, and other engine-driven devices, people of the 18th, 19th and early-20th centuries used horses, mules, and other four-legged draft animals to transport themselves, pull their wagons and carriages, and help manage the chores of farm and rural life. Just like the time and expense we currently spend on … Continue reading The Mystery of the Mane Comb
Tacks-ation without Representation
Let’s do our tacks! I know you’ve been dreading doing your tacks, and putting it off as long as you could, but time is running out. It is time to do our tacks, friends. Whether iron alloy or copper alloy, tacks provide important clues to the presence of upholstered furniture, trunks, and horse tack at … Continue reading Tacks-ation without Representation
Show Horse: How Colonial Horse and Rider Looked Their Best
Editor's Note: This is the first of two posts inspired by this year's Summer Olympics. This week, it's an equestrian-inspired post from Archaeologist Laura Galke, who briefly looks at some of the ornaments found on 18th century horse tack. What an impressive sight the Washingtons made as they rode their horses with bridles and straps embellished … Continue reading Show Horse: How Colonial Horse and Rider Looked Their Best
Lives & Legacies 