Useful Animals

Horses at George Washington's Birthplace

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"I know of no pursuit in which more real and important services can be rendered to any country than by improving its agriculture, [and] its breeds of useful animals..."
- George Washington, 1794

As part of the Bicentennial of the United States in 1976, Washington's Birthplace created a living history farm. The farm featured livestock similar to what the Washingtons would have owned. Over time, the park has raised and bred Ossabaw Island Hogs, Hog Island Sheep, and Red Devon cattle along with a variety of chickens and fowl.

Ever since John D. Rockefeller, Jr.'s donation of three Morgan horses to the park, in 1937, horses have roamed the landscape. For many years, National Park Service and Park Police horses have come to Washington's Birthplace to enjoy their retirement.

Please stop to view the animals, but we ask that you do not feed them or climb on the fences to get a better view of them.