People

Virginia planter and Continental Army commander-in-chief who owned and managed Mount Vernon's enslaved workforce. Absent from his estate for most of the war, he directed Lund Washington's management by correspondence and returned to find the plantation's human community shaped by eight years of wartime disruption.

Distant Washington cousin who managed Mount Vernon as the estate's agent during the eight years of the Revolutionary War. Kept detailed accounts of the plantation's operations, managed the enslaved workforce in Washington's absence, and infamously provisioned a British warship in 1781, drawing Washington's sharp rebuke.

Virginia widow who married Washington in 1759, bringing the Custis dower estate and its enslaved people into the household. Spent several winters at Continental Army camps supporting her husband and managing the social expectations of a commander's wife. Legal owner of the Custis dower slaves who could not be freed by Washington's will.

Enslaved man who served as Washington's personal valet throughout the Revolutionary War, accompanying him at Boston, New York, Trenton, Valley Forge, Yorktown, and every major campaign. Washington's will granted him immediate freedom — the only enslaved person singled out for freedom without condition — and a pension. He remained at Mount Vernon until his death.

Enslaved man who served as Mount Vernon's head cook and later as the chef of Washington's Philadelphia presidential household. Renowned for his culinary skill, he escaped to freedom on Washington's birthday in February 1797. His son Richmond, left behind at Mount Vernon, reportedly said he was glad his father had escaped.

Enslaved woman who served as Martha Washington's personal attendant and escaped from the Philadelphia presidential household in May 1796, reaching New Hampshire. Washington pursued her through federal agents for years but she was never returned. She lived free in New Hampshire until her death in 1848, giving interviews about her life and escape in old age.

Enslaved man who served as Mount Vernon's butler and was William Lee's brother. His household role placed him at the center of the social world Washington maintained at Mount Vernon — receiving guests, managing the household's public face — while his legal status ensured he received none of the credit or compensation that service would have earned a free man.

Enslaved man who replaced William Lee as Washington's personal attendant when Lee became disabled by knee injuries, serving Washington during the presidency and at Mount Vernon. Present at Washington's death in December 1799. His legal status meant that his lifelong service to the man who led a revolution for liberty earned him nothing under the law.