If you've been reading my Cockade Columns for a while, you know that Americans inherited the black cockade from Great Britain. You know that they even wore them in the Revolutionary War while fighting against the British! (Talk about confusing!)
When the French entered the war on our side, it was the perfect opportunity to bring in a change. France's cockade was white (this was before the French Revolution introduced the tricolor). So George Washington recommended white and black cockades for the soldiers to wear. Black would be the background color, with white on top, as an emblem showing the cooperation of the two nations against Great Britain.
A Symbol of Attachment
After the war ended, we reverted to black cockades for the military. However, black and white cockades came to be synonymous with patriotism in our country’s early history because of their use in our War for Independence.
The Philadelphia Centinel said the following on July 4, 1798: “It has been repeatedly recommended, that our citizens wear in their hats on the day of Independence, the American Cockade, (which is a Rose, composed of black ribbon, with a white button, or fastening) and that the Ladies should add to the attraction of their dress…this symbol of their attachment to the government, which cherishes and protects them – either on their breasts or in their bonnets.
"The measure is innocent; but the effect will be highly important. It will add cement to the Union, which so generally and so happily exists. Every cockade will be another edition of the Declaration of Independence, and the demonstration of it, by this national emblem now, will be as highly laudable as the display of the immortal instrument of 1776 was then….
"All those, who have not had opportunity to sign the address [of Independence], and who feel themselves Independent Americans, cannot hesitate to show by some outward mark, that they love their country better than any other in the world; this mark ought to be the black cockade. The Ladies, we understand, are universally in favor of the measure; and if they lead, who will not follow?”
The Americanized Cockade
So the general populace recognized the black and white cockade as a symbol of patriotism. But what about the army, which was still wearing the British black cockades?
Recognizing that if both British and Americans wore the same black cockades, things could get confusing (to say the least!) George Washington also came up with the idea of putting an eagle in the center of American cockades.
In a 1798 letter to Alexander Hamilton and Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, he observed, “As there has been many objections to, and remarks made upon, the black Cockade, (being that of Great Britain) might not something be devised by way of annexation thereto, to distinguish it from that of any other Nation? I have seen, and it appeared to have no bad effect, a small Eagle (of Pewter, tin, & in some instances silver) fixed by way of Button in the center of a rose cockade; which was not only very distinguishable, but somewhat characteristic.”
By 1799, he wanted to make it official and corresponded with his Secretary of War, James McHenry about it. McHenry agreed and said, “I contemplate the black ribbon in the old form for our cockade with the eagle fixed in the centre to the loop and cockade by small holes in its wings.”
Washington concurred and said, “My idea of the size is, that they ought not to be larger than would cover a quarter of a dollar at most and should be represented (for the Officers) as clothed with their feathers. This any ingenious Silver Smith can execute—and if five were sent to me, I would thank you; and would remit the cost, as soon as known to me.” Some apparently were sent to him and one of them is still in existence at Mount Vernon.
My Patriotic Cockade
I wanted an eagle of similar style to offer my customers so a couple years ago I once again partnered with The Badge Maker to create a custom eagle just for you! The result has been spectacular and popular!
The eagle on this cockade has been custom designed for me to be reminiscent of the style of Washington’s original eagle. The cockade itself is the “rose” style with black and white as our “edition of the Declaration of Independence!”
This is perfect not only for reenactors, but also for history buffs and patriots of today who wish to harken back to the legacy of our Founders.
I also have a simple black and white version, that described in the newspaper account above. Add it to your hat, lapel or shoulder to make a beautiful and historical statement of patriotism!
Buy Cockades and Provide Hurricane Relief!
For the month of October, I'm donating 10% of all sales to Hurricane Helene relief! I have cockades for many events and causes and I'm happy to design more at no extra charge.
We were in the path of the hurricane and I have to tell you, it's been more awful than the news is covering. While we were fortunate to still have our house intact, many people lost their homes, their towns and even their lives.
I am looking at worthy local groups and organizations who will get relief and supplies right to the hurricane victims, and 10% of your purchases will go to that effort!
Thank you in advance, and thank you for all that many of you are already doing to help! ♥
~Heather