The Atlas Obscura Podcast Little Lambs, Big Back Story
May 31, 2025
Springtime at Colonial Williamsburg means adorable baby lambs, which have a fascinating history. These little lambs are part of a breed that was once a closely guarded secret and faced extinction in the early 20th century. You'll hear about traditional sheep shearing methods and the surprising black market trade of wool. Discover how the wool industry influenced Virginia's economy and the efforts to revive rare livestock, bringing the Leicester Longwool sheep back from the brink.
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Lambs Reflect American History
- The lambs at Colonial Williamsburg represent an incredible American history tale involving sheep smuggling, extinction, and a U.S. president.
- These sheep reflect broader historical conflicts and economics in colonial America.
Dressing and Working in History
- Colonial Williamsburg's animal husbanders wear 18th-century costumes even during Zoom meetings.
- They handle daily tasks like shearing sheep the old-fashioned way, getting covered in sheep gunk.
Authentic 18th-Century Sheep Shearing
- Colonial Williamsburg uses traditional hand shears instead of electric clippers and works with heritage sheep breeds.
- This preserves the authentic 18th-century farming experience for visitors.