Sambo Anderson, C. 1761 - 1845

Captured as a child in West Africa, Sambo Anderson worked as a carpenter at Mount Vernon building wooden tools, structures, boats, and coffins. His intricate woodworking can still be seen in the Mansion today. He aided George Washington with experiments in sand casting, kept bees, sold honey to the Washingtons, and earned money by hunting. 

Sambo married Agnes in the 1780s and had seven children who lived at one of Washington’s outlying farms. After gaining his freedom through Washington’s will in 1801, Sambo continued to live on Washington’s land. With the money he earned hunting, he purchased the freedom of some of his children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren.

Learn more about Sambo on his Faces of Mount Vernon’s Enslaved Community webpage.