Footstool
Despite their advanced age, George and Martha Washington experienced a renewed family life at Mount Vernon after they adopted their two youngest grandchildren: Eleanor "Nelly" Parke Custis and George "Washy" Washington Parke Custis, in 1781. The change may have necessitated the purchase of new furniture, such as this small stool. Its form served a variety of uses. In addition to elevating tired feet, low footstools, also known as "crickets," were ideal seating furniture for young children. According to family legend Martha Washington later gave this stool to Nelly.