Day & Evening Dresses Full view (Left)

After the Treaty of Paris ended the American Revolutionary War in 1783, Virginians were freed from the oppressive taxes and trade restriction imposed by the British Navigation Acts. This evening dress was worn by Ann Barraud Taylor Preston (1778-1861), wife of Virginia Governor James Patton Preston (1774-1843). According to family tradition, the dress came from Paris, exemplifying Virginia’s access to the direct import of fashionable French styles.