George Washington and Barbados History Blog

HomeAll PostsTag: Colonial Barbados

Flat illustration of motherhood in Barbados in the 1700s, showing pregnant enslaved women and a British military mother with her child.

What Was It Like to Be a Mother in Barbados in the 1700s?

September 16, 2026

Key Takeaways Motherhood in Barbados in the 1700s varied greatly by wealth, work, social status, and freedom. Pregnancy and childbirth relied on midwives, relatives, and community knowledge, without modern prenatal care or hospitals. Daily family life centered on preparing food, making clothing,…

Classic illustration of a large outdoor banquet table with 1751 Barbadian foods on the lawn of George Washington House in Barbados.

What Was Food Like in Barbados in the 1700’s? A Taste of George Washington’s Visit in 1751

August 12, 2026

In 1751, people in Barbados typically ate a mix of fish, salted fish, meat, plantains, yams, cassava, eddoes, grains, vegetables, and tropical fruits such as pineapple and oranges. Diet varied greatly by wealth and social status: wealthy households could enjoy fresh meats, seafood, imported wine,…

America 250: Why George Washington’s Barbados Visit Still Matters in 2026

June 30, 2026

On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate a historic milestone: 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Known as America 250, the anniversary commemorates the founding of the United States and the events that transformed the original thirteen British colonies…