This flax spinning wheel was used by enslaved people at the "The Cottage," a large plantation in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, c. 1840-1860. It was employed in the production of linsey-woolsey fabric, a wool-linen blend. Purchased in the 1830s, Charles Clagett (1819-1894) was gifted 500 acres that made up "The Cottage." The plantation produced mainly tobacco, as well as wool products and livestock. By 1860, 64 slaves lived and worked on the property. Look for more collections object spotlights related to Black history this month as we recognize Black History Month. Image: Spinning Wheel, unknown maker. Maryland Center for History and Culture, Gift of Mary Clagett on behalf of her brother, David Clark Clagett, 2019.3.1 #MarylandHistory #MDHistory #BlackHistory #BlackHistoryMonth #SpinningWheel #Spinning #FlaxSpinning #HandSpinning #Flax