Wash pot used by Manda Caldwell and her daughter Susan Caldwell McGill

This pot belonged to and was used by Manda (Amanda) Caldwell and her daughter Susie (Susan) Caldwell McGill. Manda Caldwell was born enslaved in the York County or Cherokee County areas of South Carolina. She worked as a laundress during and after her enslavement. Iron pots such as this one were used for many utilitarian purposes - washing clothes, making lye soap and cooking large quantities of food outside.