Unveiling History: George Washington’s Tent Fragment Discovered Through Goodwill Auction
The journey of a rare artifact linked to President George Washington, the Founding Father of the United States, has captivated history enthusiasts and curators alike. This fascinating relic, a piece of linen fabric from Washington’s dining marquee, was discovered in an unexpected manner that adds an intriguing layer to its storied past.
Introduction
In an extraordinary turn of events, a piece of history connected to George Washington has surfaced, thanks to the keen eye of a Virginia collector and a stroke of luck on Goodwill’s auction site. This six-inch-long piece of linen fabric, originally part of Washington’s dining tent, is now displayed at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. The tale of its discovery and authentication offers a unique glimpse into the preservation of American heritage.
Richard “Dana” Moore, an avid collector of historical artifacts, stumbled upon this significant piece while browsing Goodwill’s online auction site. Despite initial skepticism about its authenticity, Moore’s instincts and subsequent research led him to a remarkable discovery that would soon be verified by experts.
The Discovery and Initial Skepticism
Richard Moore’s Enthralling Find
Richard “Dana” Moore, a seasoned collector primarily focused on Civil War relics, occasionally expands his collection to include items from the American Revolution and the War of 1812. His passion for history and metal detecting has led him to discover numerous artifacts over the years. However, nothing could have prepared him for the find that awaited him on Goodwill’s auction site.
- Auction Details:
- The artifact was listed with a brief note: “a piece of George Washington’s tent, from the history building at Jamestown exposition 1907 property of John Burns Dec 23rd 07.”
- The fabric, measuring six inches, was pinned with a rusty clip, adding to its historical aura.
Moore’s initial reaction was one of disbelief. “I thought it couldn’t be real,” he recounted. The item’s description and the aged appearance of the fabric intrigued him, but he needed more evidence before making a purchase.
Authenticating the Artifact
Moore’s wife, Susan Bowen, shared his initial skepticism. They decided to hold off on celebrating until they could verify its authenticity.
- Verification Process:
- They reached out to the Museum of the American Revolution after attending an online presentation.
- Matthew Skic, a curator at the museum, played a crucial role in the authentication process.
- Textile conservator Virginia Whelan assisted in examining the fabric’s weave and the red wool edging, which matched the dining marquee used by Washington.
Historical Context and Significance
The Jamestown Exposition and Mary Custis Lee
The handwritten note accompanying the fabric referenced the Jamestown Exposition of 1907. This event, commemorating the 300th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, showcased numerous historical artifacts, including Washington’s tents.
- Mary Custis Lee:
- As Martha Washington’s great-great-granddaughter and the daughter of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, she owned Washington’s Revolutionary War tents and loaned the dining marquee to the exposition.
- This connection added substantial credibility to the artifact’s origins.
Washington’s Marquees
During the Revolutionary War, George Washington utilized two marquees: one for dining and another for his personal use. The fabric Moore discovered was part of the dining tent, used during Washington’s travels with his troops in 1778.
- Historical Verification:
- Skic confirmed that the fabric fragment matched the dining marquee, noting its darkened appearance from accumulated dirt and dust over the years.
- The red wool edging, while faded, retained most of its color, further supporting its authenticity.
Display and Public Reaction
Museum Exhibition
The verified fabric is now proudly displayed at the Museum of the American Revolution, offering visitors a tangible connection to the past.
- Exhibit Details:
- The fabric is exhibited alongside other fragments of Washington’s tents.
- The museum continues to research the artifact’s provenance, including the identity of John Burns, who purportedly attached the note in 1907.
Public and Personal Impact
Moore and Bowen were both honored and overwhelmed by the opportunity to contribute such a significant piece to the museum. “Seeing it as part of the exhibit was so exciting,” Bowen shared, reflecting on the emotional journey from discovery to exhibition.
FAQs
How was the fabric fragment discovered?
The fabric fragment was discovered by Richard “Dana” Moore on Goodwill’s auction site. It was listed with a note indicating it was a piece of George Washington’s tent.
What steps were taken to authenticate the fabric?
The fabric was authenticated by Matthew Skic, a curator at the Museum of the American Revolution, with assistance from textile conservator Virginia Whelan. They examined the weave and red wool edging, which matched the dining marquee used by Washington.
What is the significance of the Jamestown Exposition of 1907 in relation to the artifact?
The Jamestown Exposition of 1907 commemorated the 300th anniversary of Jamestown. Mary Custis Lee, Martha Washington’s great-great-granddaughter, loaned Washington’s dining marquee to the exposition, adding credibility to the artifact’s origins.
Where is the fabric fragment currently displayed?
The fabric fragment is currently displayed at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, alongside other fragments of Washington’s tents.
Who is John Burns, mentioned in the note with the fabric?
The museum is still researching the identity of John Burns, who is mentioned in the handwritten note that accompanied the fabric fragment.
Conclusion
The discovery of George Washington’s tent fragment through a Goodwill auction is a testament to the enduring allure of history and the importance of diligent preservation efforts. This artifact not only provides a tangible link to the past but also underscores the significance of historical research and curation. As historians continue to investigate and preserve such relics, they enrich our understanding of the nation’s formative years, ensuring that the legacy of figures like George Washington remains vivid and accessible for future generations.
