Laura slave plantation garden. Louisiana Near New Orleans along the Mississippi River. by denisbin

When we think of the founding fathers of the United States, we often picture them in their powdered wigs and waistcoats, debating weighty matters of state in the hallowed halls of government. But did you know that many of these men were also avid gardeners? In fact, several former presidents had a serious green thumb and devoted a significant amount of time and energy to tending their gardens. However, as we explore their horticultural pursuits, it’s important to acknowledge the uncomfortable reality that some of these presidents used slave labor to maintain their gardens.

George Washington was not only the first president of the United States but also an accomplished gardener. He was particularly interested in the cultivation of fruits and vegetables, and his garden at Mount Vernon was a model of agricultural efficiency. However, this efficiency came at a cost. Washington relied heavily on slave labor to tend his crops, and the conditions for these enslaved workers were often brutal. Despite this dark history, Washington’s garden is still a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can see firsthand the varieties of fruits and vegetables he grew, including pineapples, strawberries, and asparagus.

Thomas Jefferson is perhaps best known as the author of the Declaration of Independence, but he was also a passionate gardener.

Thomas Jefferson was particularly interested in horticultural experimentation and was always on the lookout for new and unusual plants to add to his collection. However, like Washington, Jefferson relied heavily on slave labor to maintain his gardens. In fact, he is said to have owned as many as 600 slaves over the course of his lifetime. Despite this dark legacy, Jefferson’s gardens at Monticello are still considered a marvel of horticultural ingenuity, and visitors can see a wide variety of plants, including a rare apple variety that Jefferson himself cultivated.

James Madison is often remembered as the “Father of the Constitution,” but he was also an accomplished gardener. He was particularly interested in the cultivation of vegetables, and his garden at Montpelier was a source of pride for him. Like many of his contemporaries, however, Madison relied heavily on slave labor to tend his crops. It’s estimated that he owned around 100 slaves at the time of his death. Despite this troubling history, Madison’s gardens are still a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can see a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including several varieties of tomatoes that Madison himself developed.

As we explore the horticultural pursuits of America’s founding fathers, it’s important to acknowledge the uncomfortable truth that some of these men relied on slave labor to maintain their gardens. While we can appreciate their achievements in the field of horticulture, we must also remember the human cost of their success. By recognizing this dark legacy, we can move forward with a better understanding of the complex history of our country and work towards a more equitable future.