Women's Congress Gaiters, 1865-1870

01

Artifact Overview

Congress gaiters is a term for boots with elastic at the ankles. This style of boots is comfortable and easy to pull on and off. They were a popular style in the mid-19th century for both men and women. Women could wear these fashionable boots around the house, and found them sturdier than flimsy slippers when walking over hard city streets.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Boots (Footwear)

Date Made

1865-1870

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

00.4.4298

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Cloth
Elastic fabrics
Cotton (Textile)
Leather

Color

Black (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 6.25 in
Width: 2.5 in
Length: 9.125 in

Inscriptions

O_22 [pencil on shank, L boot] | 17 [lining, L boot]