How did people stay warm in the 18th century?
Thicker fabrics and layering clothing was the strategy. However, during wartime, getting the proper supplies proved difficult. In 1756, the Pennsylvania Gazette published a letter from Governor Shirley thanking benefactors: “I was favoured with your letter…acquainting me that your Assembly had sent a present of 1339 warm waistcoats, 1000 pair milled stockings and 332 pair of knit mittens for the comfort of New England Troops…”
Later, General Washington’s Aide de Camp wrote to General William Alexander in January 24, 1778: “The State of Pennsylvania have collected a large parcel of cloathing for their troops…” These items may have included wool great coats which were layered over clothing. Friedrich von Germann sketched a British soldier in Canada 1778 wearing a blanket coat. Knit woolen caps and leggings cut from wool were seen on both British and Colonial soldiers.
What about the women? Mittens knit from wool or cut from thick broadcloth were worn often layered over linen mitts. Multiple petticoats were worn some heavy and quilted and others fashioned from wool. Woolen cloaks, almost always in bright cardinal red were commonplace in all levels of society. Madame du Bocage noted in 1750 that even “…the poorest country girls…(have) scarlet cloaks upon their shoulders.” Certainly the cheery red color brightened the otherwise dull winter landscape while keeping the wearer warm.
Who were the Hessians and what role did they play in the American Revoltion? An exhibit at the Museum of the American Revolution answers that question through a study of artifacts left behind.
www.amrevmuseum.org/news/now-on-view-new-artifacts-explore-the-hessian-s-role-in-the-revolution?f...
Now On View: New Artifacts Explore the Hessian's Role in the Revolution
www.amrevmuseum.org
During the Revolutionary War, the British government hired 30,000 German-speaking troops—called "Hessians"—to serve in America. They came from six small European states known as "principalities" w...
The 250th Commemoration of Henry Knox’s 1775 Noble Train of Artillery has been making its way along the original trail in New York State. The team of reenactors is hauling as many as 59 pieces, mostly 6-and 12-pounders and mortars, via oxen and horse pulled sleds. The event recreates when General Washington sent Henry Knox on a mission to haul 60 tons of captured British cannons 300 miles via oxen-drawn sled, from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston over snow and ice.
These are additional upcoming events for the Nobel Train of Artillery in Massachusetts. Alford - Jan. 10, 2026; 10 a.m. Great Barrington - Jan. 10, 2026, 2:00 p.m. Springfield - Jan. 17, 2026, 2:00 p.m. Worcester - Jan. 31, 2026, 2:00 p.m. Framingham - February 8, 2026 2:00 p.m. Cambridge - February 28, 2026, 2:00 p.m. Roxbury - March 7, 2026, 2:00 p.m. South Boston - March 17, 2026 9:00 a.m.
Wow! Huzzah!
TRY REENACTING!
Do you want to fire a musket, help crew a cannon, or just enjoy an evening around the fire?
Our Units are excited to host folks who want to try out the hobby.
They will supply the necessary gear and clothing for you (and your family) to join us for a weekend reenacting the American Revolution!
What are you in for? Read our “What Re-enacting with the NWTA Looks Like.”