During this time of the semi-quincentennial observance of our country’s birthday as I have occasionally studied George Washington impersonators and people dressing up to imitate the Minutemen, I have noticed that none of them has a hat secured by a loop underneath the neck. So, here are my questions: Did George ever lose his tri-cornered hat (tricorn) when galloping along? Did he ever lose it when crossing the wind-blown Delaware River in December? Did any of the Minutemen ever lose them when dashing across the meadows in Lexington and Concord? Did any of the patriots ever lose them while waiting to see the whites of the enemy’s eyes at Charlestown’s Breed’s Hill?

If not, what was their secret outside of having one hand – the empty one – push down/hold onto the tricorn? If there was a problem of occasionally losing their hat, was it too costly or labor-intensive to have a loop attached to thwart a loss? The hats could not have been that heavy because they were made totally of fabric; hence, no metal to prevent head injuries.

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Ah, where’s the late David McCullough when I need him? Or perhaps BC’s noted historian, Heather Cox Richardson, could supply any answer.