In contrast to the serene garden and walkway that exists between the Octagon and the AIA headquarters, there was once a bustling, noisy, dusty area dedicated to operating a large urban household. Numerous outbuildings once stood on this site, all serving vital support functions for The Octagon.
Between 12 and 18 African-American slaves lived and worked at The Octagon during the Tayloes’ occupancy, traveling between Mount Airy and Washington DC with (or in advance of)the family. Archy Nash, John Tayloes’ body servant and the only slave ever freed by him, held primary responsibility for the Tayloes’ coach and riding horses. In addition to his many duties in the house, he may have been in command of the stables. Gowen Larson, the footman, and Harry Jackson, the coachmen, would also have worked in this area, drawing water from the stable yard well, washing the coaches used by family members for social and business outings, and running various errands for the household. Their lives would have centered on outdoor activity in this area, activity that was crucial to the running of a household busy with social and business guests.
