Did George Washington Have A Bathroom?

Did George Washington have a bathroom? Of course, people in the 18th century didn't have the same kind of bathrooms we do today, but what they did have was very basic and functional. At Mount Vernon, there are two necessary's on the estate for visitors to see.

#AskMountVernon

[bswins]

Not a subject I look forward to, but I suppose it’s “necessary” to know. Well done to Thomas for gingerly navigating his explanation. I’m confident your viewers appreciate it as much as I do. 😉

[headphonic]

Imagine having diarrhea and having to run all the way out there

[jlc]

I love Mount Vernon, I've been there several times, the latest was last summer. It has always fascinated me that there are three seats in the "necessary." Were people that different back then where they would poop with friends? I can't even imagine! LOL

[fahhhque]

3 poop holes?

What a cool way to make a new friend..

[imperialguard]

My family still has a picture of the inside somewhere during our last visit🤔🚽

[derewreck]

Who’s watching this while sitting in their “necessary”?

[GodsndFavoriteBassPlyr]

An outstanding way to approach a very delicate subject.

[timikobilyeu]

Imagine seeing your president George on the side of the trail takin a dump oml

[crixxxxxxxxx]

Why did they need three, though? Were there groups of people using it simultaneously?

[williamkuhns]

These "necessaries " or out houses would sometimes use wood ash and/or straw sprinkled onto after each use. This controlled odor and help facilitate composting. Chamber pots used indoors at night (under bed or in a toilet box) would be filled with water before bed and a handful of wood ash from the hearth/fireplace stirred in to control odor during the night. Next morning the chamber pot was emptied into the outdoor "necessary". A separate smaller chamber pot was used for urine as it was collected to make ammonia for laundry (removal of stains on white linens) Days long before chlorine bleach.

[fannybuster]

What did they use for toilet paper..? Leaves, Corncobs..?

[rbsmith]

In 1979, I don’t remembered seeing that fancy outhouse. And, I was wondering what if it becomes full and have to re-dig another hole and move it again? Emptying waste is gross but, it cut down on daily and yearly of foul smells.

[wubybug]

Taken out and dumped by his slaves. In case anyone is wondering.🤮🤮

[OgDj]

Interesting, 🤔 and I can see why it was designed to be constructed outside

[pamelawing]

Not in the conventional sense. It's something you don't think about while touring the house and then suddenly it hits your. No master bath!!! No kitchen either. Kitchen is separate building. Fires were common in kitchens in those days so hopefully it would keep the main house from burning down.

[Redjoekido]

I have to go potty but I can't go because I'm snowed in!

[thomassterrett]

I’m using the word “ necessary “ from now on.

[peterle]

We had an outhouse like that too growing up.

[iDontShareMyData]

Thomson: [calling for a vote] Where's Rhode Island?
McNair: Rhode Island's out visiting the necessary.
Hancock: Well, after what Rhode Island has consumed, I can't say I'm surprised. We'll come back to him, Mr. Thompson.
Thomson: Rhode Island passes.

[benjaminfranklin]

What would they wipe with at the necessary?