![]() ![]() We know that in 1785, there were 26 draft oxen at Mount Vernon. But they went to the slaughterhouse before reaching the age of ten. Then the animals would enjoy a yearlong holiday in the pasture, where they quickly fattened up. Washington's journals report that he generally used oxen in the field until they reached the age of eight. They could bear the weight of massive equipment and pull more weight than the average draft horse. When it came to raw power, Red Devon oxen were hard to beat. Once introduced to the breed, it almost immediately became one of Washington's favorites. During the decades prior to the American Revolution, superior cattle stock from Pennsylvania was probably introduced into northern Virginia by the stream of settlers moving farther south in search of arable land. With limited available farmland to inherit or purchase, a number of New Englanders ventured south with their stock to resettle on rich tracts in Pennsylvania. In New England, the oxen did the heavy work on the rolling, rock-strewn fields. The same breed also supplied beef, veal and milk, and associated products such as butter, cream and cheese.Īccording to Alan and Donna Jean Fusonie, co-authors of George Washington: Pioneer Farmer, the Devon breed was originally brought to Massachusetts in 1623 from Devonshire, England. Then and now, the strength of Red Devons was harnessed to complete some of the more strenuous tasks on the estate. There are also three cows, two heifers, and a pair of hardworking oxen. Today, the estate is home to eight Devons, including Quincy, the lone bull in the group. ![]() Surviving records tell us that Washington had at least 166 head of cattle at Mount Vernon in 1765, so Devons played vital roles in Washington's plans for animal husbandry. When it came to selecting cattle, oxen and dairy cows, George Washington definitely preferred representatives of the Red Devon breed, which were commonly referred to as "Ruby Reds." But in the 18th century, a Ruby Red was a very important and versatile member of the plantation community. Today the term "Ruby Red" may be used to describe a juicy grapefruit or a rich port. ![]()
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