Batteau Construction Project (Historical Marker)

Here follows the inscription written on this trailside historical marker:

Batteau Construction Project
"I shall not object to one of the Carpenters assisting Mr. Stuart in building a Batteau…"
George Washington to Anthony Whitting, January 20, 1793

The batteau constructed here is 21 feet long with a width between 6-8 feet. This vessel is typical of the skows, skiffs, and small boats used to haul goods and materials up and down the Potomac River between Washington's outlying farms, as well as supplies to and from Alexandria. Boats like this one were also crucial pieces of farm equipment used for fishing and related work on the river."

This batteau is made of white oak and cypress, and boats such as this would have been made with timber harvested from Mount Vernon's woodlands. Traditional hand tools such as planes, draw knives, and augers were utilized for this project.