Did Ya Know?

Where does the Coonskin Cap come from?

The Coonskin Cap was originally a part of Native American culture, but when European pioneers came over and began to settle in Kentucky and Tennessee, they adapted them to be worn as a hunting caps. Over the years, the coonskin cap became associated with the American Frontiersman such as Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett. Daniel Boone never actually wore coonskin caps, but instead preferred felt hats. Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition wore a coonskin cap as they traveled across the west. 

In the 1950's, the coonskin cap became a fashion trend among young American, Canadian and British boys. This was because of a widely popular television show called Disneyland and it showed the American Hero, Davy Crockett, decked out in a buckskin shirt and a coonskin cap. Fess Parker, who played Davy also went on to play Daniel Boone in a different television series where the costuming was practically the same. During this time there was also a coonskin cap marketed to girls and it was called the Polly Crockett. This particular hat was all white, usually made out of rabbit fur and featured Polly Crockett on top of the hat. 

Throughout time, the coonskin cap will always tie in closely with the American Pioneer and I think everyone should have one in their wardrobe.