Buttons of the American Revolutionary War
During the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), several significant buttons were used by the Continental Army and the various state militias. Buttons from this period were made of various materials, including brass, pewter, or even wood. These buttons typically featured distinctive designs or symbols representing the revolutionary cause.
The Continental Army and numerous state militias used several noteworthy buttons during the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783). Most buttons from this era were made of numerous materials, made of brass, wood, or pewter. These buttons typically featured distinctive designs or symbols representing the revolutionary cause. Here are some of the notable buttons from the Revolutionary War era:
Massachusetts "Pine Tree" Button: These buttons were used by the Massachusetts Bay Colony troops and featured a pine tree design. The Pine Tree was an important symbol of resistance against British authority.
Continental Army "Great Seal" Button: Some buttons displayed the Great Seal of the United States, which features an eagle with a shield, holding an olive branch and arrows. The Continental Army used these buttons to symbolize their loyalty to the emerging nation.
Virginia State Seal Button: The Virginia state troops used buttons with the Virginia state seal, which includes the Roman goddess Virtus (representing virtue) standing over a defeated British figure.
New York "Excelsior" Button: New York troops used buttons with the word "Excelsior," which means "ever upward" in Latin. This motto represented the determination to achieve higher goals.
South Carolina "Liberty" Button: South Carolina buttons often featured the word "Liberty" and a palmetto tree or other revolutionary symbols.
Connecticut "Hartford Convention" Button: Some Connecticut regiments used buttons with a design referencing the Hartford Convention, a meeting of New England states during the War of 1812. The convention discussed their grievances and sought to limit the federal government's power.
Maryland "Sword in Hand" Button: Maryland troops used buttons featuring the state coat of arms, which included a figure holding a sword in hand, representing the readiness to defend their rights.
Buttons of the Revolutionary War are collector items and museum pieces.
First Bottled H2O
The first bottled water can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where people would collect and store water in containers made from animal skins, gourds, or other natural materials. However, the concept of commercially packaged and distributed bottled water as we know it today emerged much later.
The first bottled water can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where people collected and stored water in containers made from animal skins, gourds, or other natural materials. However, the concept of commercially packaged and distributed bottled water as we know it today emerged much later.
The first documented instance of bottled water being sold on a large scale dates back to the 17th century in the small town of Jackson's Spa in England. Bottled water from a natural spring was sold for its perceived health benefits and was popular among the wealthy elite who visited the spa.
In the 19th century, the demand for bottled water increased as public concerns grew over the safety and quality of drinking water in cities. Companies began to bottle and sell water from natural springs as a safer alternative. The first commercially successful bottled water brand was Saratoga Springs, established in Saratoga, New York, in 1872.
However, the widespread consumption of bottled water took off in the late 20th century, driven by advancements in plastic technology and growing consumer interest in health and convenience. Bottled water became widely available in various sizes and types, including purified, mineral, and flavored water.
Today, bottled water is a multi-billion dollar industry and is consumed globally. However, it is worth noting that the environmental impact of plastic waste from single-use water bottles has raised concerns, leading to increased efforts in promoting reusable alternatives and improving recycling infrastructure.