Images(6)

Dress and Belt

Date1820-1825

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Culpeper County (worn in)

MediumSilk, cotton

DimensionsA: OL from shoulder 52 in.; Bust 33 7/8 in.; Waist 26 ¾ in. B: OL 30 3/8 in.

Credit LineGift of the Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2023-212,A&B

DescriptionA: Cream figured silk dress with raised waistline and short, cap sleeves. The skirt is straight in front with gathers at the center back. The silk is woven with a repeating sheaf pattern. The bodice is gathered in six rows over the bust. The bodice is gathered in the back in a ‘V’ shape. The sleeves are trimmed with matching triangular trim extending from the shoulder and secured to the shoulder at the point with a fabric covered button. The sleeves have decorative slashes with gauze puffs; the original gauze is now covered by modern crepeline. The bodice opens in the center back with a series of 12 fabric covered bone buttons. Bodice is partially lined with cotton under the arms and at shoulders. There is a pocket sewn into the front of the bodice just to the right of center. There are two ties sewn into the bodice.

B: Belt is made of cream silk and trimmed with a darker tan ribbon. Black ink stamp in center of the belt shows a man from the chest up and reads “Welcome La Fayette”.
Label TextWhen the Marquis de Lafayette made his famous tour of the United States in 1824 and 1825, Americans dressed for the occasion. Lafayette themed adornments included gloves, handkerchiefs, cravats, fans, and buttons. This belt, stamped with Lafayette's image and paired with a matching silk dress, descended through the Major-LaRue family of Culpeper, VA. One of the Major sisters, wearing this dress, may have attended the ball given in Lafayette's honor at the Masons' Hall in Culpeper County on August 22nd.
Provenanceca. 1825 worn by either Frances Haney Major (1802-1836), Elizabeth Thatcher Corbin Major (1803-1871), or Mary Major (1808-1836); prior to 1960, passed down by descent to Miss Mamie LaRue (Mary Bowen LaRue) (Kabletown, West Virginia); 1960 given to the Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023-present given to Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)