What is a Bed Rug? The 18th Century Blanket You've Never Heard Of
What is a bed rug? In the 18th century, this thick, hand-woven bed covering was one of the warmest and most valuable pieces of bedding on the American frontier. In today’s video, I dive into the history and everyday use of the bed rug, and why it mattered so much to early American families. We’ll take a closer look at where bed rugs came from, what materials were used, and who bought them. I’ll also show examples from period sources, surviving originals, and the reproduction that I own and use today. If you’re interested in colonial frontier life, a unique early American textile, reenacting gear, or historic homesteading, this is a piece of history you’ll want to see. Chapters: 0:00 – What Is a Bed Rug? 1:22 – How They Were Made 2:04 – Where Did They Come From? 3:09 – How Did They Get Them? 4:15 – Snug As A Bug In A Rug 5:21 – Wool and Bed Rugs 5:35 – Buffalo Rugs 6:22 – Bed Rugs Fade Away 7:57 - Final Thoughts Thanks for watching! If you enjoy early American history and frontier gear, consider subscribing for more authentic 18th-century deep dives
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