A Nation Born | 1783 - 1861

A New Nation Takes Shape
The adoption of the Constitution established a new framework for the young United States. As the nation grew, the Lewis and Clark Expedition traveled overland to the Pacific, exploring lands newly acquired through the Louisiana Purchase.

A Growing Nation and Marketplace
After the War of 1812, Americans increasingly saw the United States as an established nation. Manufactured goods became more widely available, including toys and musical instruments. By 1844, New York City alone had 88 toy stores, while advertisements for harmonicas appeared as early as 1833.

Westward
Territorial expansion drew emigrant families westward on long overland journeys. With room for little beyond necessities, children once again fashioned playthings from materials at hand, drawing on familiar games and what they encountered along the way. Around evening campfires, music provided entertainment and a welcome reminder of home.

Sort by

Cooperman HistoryLives tin pennywhistle

Tin Pennywhistle – Traditional Folk Instrument

Cooperman HistoryLives Game of Graces

Game of Graces – Traditional Wooden Hoop & Wand Set

Cooperman HistoryLives rolling hoop 2

Wooden Rolling Hoop with Stick – Traditional Outdoor Game

Cooperman HistoryLives jaw harp

Beginner Jaw Harp with Instruction & History Insert

Pewter Whirligig Toy – Early American Spinning Toy

Pewter Whirligig Toy – Early American Spinning Toy

Cooperman HistoryLives wood buzz saw toy

Wooden Buzz Saw – Traditional Spinning Toy

Bb Black Plastic Fife – Beginner Fife with Instruction & History

Bb Black Plastic Fife – Beginner Fife with Instruction & History

Pieces of Eight Coin Set – Spanish Milled Dollar & Bits | Pewter Replica

Pieces of Eight Coin Set – Spanish Milled Dollar & Bits | Pewter Replica

Wooden Peg Top with String – Traditional Spinning Top Toy

Wooden Peg Top with String – Traditional Spinning Top Toy

Cooperman HistoryLives wood dice

Wooden Dice Set – Early American Game Dice

Pewter Dice Set – Early American Soldiers' Gaming Dice

Pewter Dice Set – Early American Soldiers' Gaming Dice

Bilbo-Catcher (Bilboquet) – Traditional Cup and Ball Toy

Bilbo-Catcher (Bilboquet) – Traditional Cup and Ball Toy

Spanish Milled Dollar Replica – Pewter Piece of Eight Coin

Spanish Milled Dollar Replica – Pewter Piece of Eight Coin

Cooperman HistoryLives Game of Jacks in leather pouch

Game of Jacks – Pewter Jacks Set with Wood & Bouncy Ball (Traditional Historic Toy)

Cooperman HistoryLives Brown Bess solid pine dummy gun

Brown Bess Dummy Gun

Pewter Musket Ball Replica

Pewter Musket Ball Replica

Wooden Rhythm Bones – Traditional Folk Percussion Instrument

Wooden Rhythm Bones – Traditional Folk Percussion Instrument

Cooperman HistoryLives dummy gun naval or pirate pistol

Naval/Pirate Pistol Dummy Gun

Cooperman HistoryLives Minie Ball

Replica Minié Ball (Lead-Free Pewter)

Cooperman HistoryLives child size drumsticks

Child Size Wooden Drumsticks

1 2 →