Military hat 1860 - 1864

This military hat was made by J.H. McKenney & Company, though we do not know the date. Military uniforms are an interesting cultural phenomenon. They can evoke a sense of national pride, of course, but they also serve as a tool for social control. They reinforce a sense of hierarchy and obedience, visually encoding the power dynamics within the military institution. They’re also signs of the economic structures that enable a nation to equip its fighting force. Consider, for example, the materials and craftsmanship involved in creating this hat, and how these might reflect the industrial capacity and economic priorities of the society in which it was made. The hat can be a signifier of military prowess, particularly in the West. As historians, we can learn a great deal about a society by studying its material culture, from military artifacts to art objects. By examining historical documents, military records, and other primary sources, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and institutional contexts in which these objects were created and used.