Americans have been celebrating national events, anniversaries, and heroes on textiles since the beginning of the republic. This red and white copperplate printed linen handkerchief, celebrating the newly won freedom of the American colonies, was made in England in 1784. It features a center medallion of 13 hearts, and delicate floral sprays. Along the border are vignettes of American life during the Revolution, and a poem concerning the growing and processing of grain, flax, and tobacco by American women, while their husbands were away fighting the British.