Rum is a beverage with a complicated history, originating in the West Indies during the mid-1600s and quickly becoming a globally enjoyed spirit. A distilled drink made from the byproducts of sugarcane refining, such as molasses, it was highly desired in the colonies and beyond. Virginia merchants regularly traded with the West Indies to acquire rum, which was in turn sold at taverns and for personal use.  The spirit became so popular because it was more shelf stable than beer or wine, fairing better on long ship’s voyages with less likelihood of spoiling.  The rise of rum simultaneously constituted a greater demand for an enslaved workforce in the West Indies, sealing the fate of countless individuals. The rum trade was inextricably linked with the slave trade, as it was made possible by slave labor, used as currency to purchase slaves, and was sometimes given to enslaved communities as a type of reward. This exhibition explores the origins of rum and the associated labor of enslaved people, Virginia’s role in the rum trade, and the prevalence of smugglers and bootleggers across the colonies.

Enter the interactive gallery below to view the exhibition and learn more.