Culinary Classics, "Hercules, George Washington's Chef"

One great culinary classic that paved the way for the American political dining scene is Hercules, George Washington’s chef. Hercules was famous in his day and known as an “artiste” by the founding fathers that dined with our nation’s first president. Hercules was a master of high French culinary art and simple
frontier cooking—and he was a slave.

Despite being a slave, Hercules was highly esteemed for his culinary work and he was able to roam the streets of Philadelphia as if he were a free man. He traveled to the market, regularly enjoyed Philadelphia’s high-society entertainment and purchased extravagant clothes. The Washingtons gave him a salary that was almost double the average American salary during that time, nearly $200 per year. 

In the kitchen, Hercules demanded perfection.  Working in an 18th century kitchen was back-breaking work. He was detail-oriented and he expected his underlings to follow suit. He oversaw a large staff that included other slaves, indentured white servants and even paid white servants.

Ultimately, however, Hercules dreamed of freedom. On George Washington’s 65th birthday, Hercules escaped in the middle of the night. Washington went to great lengths to find Hercules to no avail, and there is little information regarding his whereabouts after his great escape. Washington died on December 14, 1799, and freed Hercules and his other slaves in his will. To this day, there is no evidence that Hercules knew he was a free man. 

Beginning on October 19th discover the newest exhibit at the Missouri History Museum dedicated to George Washington. Bixby’s, located on the second floor of the Museum, will celebrate our founding father and offer a “Salute to Dinner with the Washington’s” with specialty prepared menu items.