The "Buy American" Bee

In 1864, the United States was facing a national economic crisis caused by three years of the Civil War. Patriotic ladies' answer to the emergency was represented by a bee.

But before we get to the bee, let's look at the national crisis. From the History of Woman Suffrage, we read:

"After the war was fairly inaugurated, the manufactories of the country largely turned their attention to the production of material required by the army, which, combined with the immense number of volunteers from such avocations, and the rise in prices of all home manufactures, created an immense import of foreign goods, which, pouring into our country when gold was at the highest, brought to our doors a danger no less formidable than that of the Rebellion. It was shown from official returns, in 1863, that during a period of nine months, the imports, at the port of New York alone, amounted to $160,000,000 in gold; equal, including exchange, freight, insurance, etc., to twice that sum, while or exports amounted to only $120,000,000 in paper."

Pictured are some of the imported items banned by the Covenant's Pledge, besides fabric.

Of course, some ladies already had imported clothing so in order to make sure that everyone knew of their patriotism, the Ladies National Covenant Corresponding Secretary observed that "Ladies who continue to wear the dresses of Foreign material, already in possession, desire the Badge of the Covenant, that their principles may be understood." Indeed, you wouldn't want your dress to make you look unpatriotic!

The Ladies' Badge

Therefore, a national badge was adopted for those who had taken the Pledge. "The emblem of this Covenant was a black or gilt bee, worn as a pin fastening the national colors, upon the hair, arm or bosom, as a public recognition of membership."

Want to wear your lovely 1863 imported silk dress? Not to worry, just wear a Bee Cockade with it and no one will doubt your patriotic principles!