The History Of American Tattooing
Tattooing, once practiced by ancient Europeans, had largely faded from the continent by the mid-1700s. However, with the expansion of trade routes in the 18th and 19th centuries, European and American sailors encountered tattooing, especially in the Pacific. Many sailors returned home adorned with tattoos, which became particularly popular among them and coal miners. In these dangerous professions, symbols like anchors or miners' lamps, often tattooed on forearms, were believed to offer protection, and soon became common motifs.
The American Industrial Age of the mid-19th century brought significant advances in tattooing technology, including machinery and new inks. These developments created a distinctly American, mass-produced style of tattooing, echoing the original Polynesian purposes of loyalty, devotion, commemoration of achievements, and body adornment.
In 1846, Martin Hildebrandt opened one of the first permanent tattoo shops in New York City, where he became known for tattooing soldiers and sailors during the Civil War. His tattoos, which often included military insignia or family names, helped soldiers ensure their bodies could be identified in case of death. Hildebrandt’s work became a Civil War-era institution, with him later stating, "During the war, I never had a moment of idle time. I marked thousands of sailors and soldiers, and many were recognized by these marks after being killed or wounded."
Despite the popularity of tattoos among military men, they were frowned upon by the American upper class. Ward McAllister, an influential aristocrat of the 1890s, remarked that tattoos were "the most vulgar and barbarous habit the eccentric mind of fashion ever invented." He believed tattoos suited only "illiterate seamen," not aristocrats. This view highlighted the differing attitudes towards tattoos in Europe and the U.S.
The military played a key role in popularizing tattoos in America. The "Golden Age" of tattooing came during World War II, fueled by patriotic sentiment and the large number of servicemen (nearly 10% of the population). By the 1950s, tattoos had a firm place in American culture, though they were still stigmatized by many.
Tattoos became further associated with masculinity in post-war America. Returning World War II veterans, hailed as heroes, re-entered civilian life, and tattoos became part of the tough, masculine image of the era. Icons like the Marlboro Man and the cartoon sailor Popeye, both sporting military tattoos, reinforced this trend.
In the 1960s, tattooing faced a major setback when a Hepatitis outbreak in New York City was blamed on a Coney Island tattoo shop, though it was never definitively proven. This incident fueled negative perceptions of tattooing, leading to a ban in New York City from 1961 to 1997. Similarly, Norfolk, Virginia banned tattooing from 1950 to 2006, labeling it unsanitary and vulgar. Despite these challenges, tattooing persisted, growing into the mainstream over time.