Officer’s shako

Captain John W. Hull (1789-1878) of the 36th Regiment, Connecticut Militia, wore this officer’s shako during the British attack on his native Stonington in August 1814. The leather hat is adorned with a brass eagle emblem. It typifies headgear worn by American militia and US Army troops during the War of 1812. Hull actively participated in the defense of Stonington and after the war rose to the rank of colonel. (Courtesy of Stonington Historical Society, 2009.500.0234)