A carriage in Colonial Williamsburg Photo by Ducksters
As the American colonies grew, large cities began to emerge. They became centers of trade and business for the surrounding areas. The daily life of people living in the cities was different from that of the average farmer. Many of the people worked as merchants or artisans. There were stores right down the street with plenty of goods, taverns for eating and socializing, and lots of services available like the apothecary and tailor.
Middling Class
The city was the home to many people of the "middling class." These were people who were not poor farmers, but were also not members of the very wealthy gentry class. They consisted of tradesmen (blacksmiths, tailors, coopers, etc.) and professionals (merchants, lawyers, doctors, etc.). Although these people were better off than the average poor farmer, they still worked very hard from sunrise to sunset each day.
Tradesmen
The shoemaker's store at Colonial Williamsburg Photo by Ducksters
Many people working in the cities were tradesmen who had very specific skills. Examples of tradesmen include blacksmiths, tailors, coopers, wheelwrights, and shoemakers. Tradesmen spent their lives learning a skill. Young boys would become apprentices at the age of six or seven years old and would work the next seven or so years learning the trade. Upon finishing their apprenticeship they would become journeymen. Journeymen still worked for a master, but earned wages.
Tradesmen worked long hours in order to be successful. During busy times, they might work 16 hours a day for six days a week. Life wasn't easy as a tradesmen, but they had a good job and were able to provide a nice life for their family.
Professionals
A professional was a person who had skills gained generally from a higher education. Professionals included occupations such as lawyers, doctors, and merchants. Merchants had to manage their business constantly. They spent time on the docks, traveling to other countries, and trading for goods to sell.
Going to School
Children living in a colonial city had more access to schools and education than those living on farms. Many children, especially boys, attended Dame school where they would learn to read. Boys might attend a Latin Grammar school where they would learn Latin, Greek, and some basic math. Wealthy children would be taught by hired tutors or sent off to school in England.
Church
The church was one of the most important places in a colonial times' town. Everyone was expected to attend church on Sunday. The church often served as the main meeting place when the people of the town needed to get together to discuss issues.
The Enslaved
Not all of enslaved people in colonial times worked in the fields. There were also enslaved that worked in the cities. They either worked at the house (cooks, maids, servants) or as skilled labor for craftsmen. Life as an enslaved worker in the city was not an easy life. Enslaved people were expected to work hard all the time and, in the city, their enslavers were always nearby to make sure they were busy.
The puppet show was a popular form of entertainment during colonial times. Photo by Ducksters
Interesting Facts about Daily Life in the City During Colonial Times
The tavern became a major meeting place for men to discuss business and politics in the 1700s.
Many wealthy men and women living in the cities tried to dress similar to the latest fashions that were popular in England.
Part of the fashion for men in the cities was to wear large powdered wigs.
Many cities had coffeehouses where wealthy men could go to relax.
The main form of entertainment at parties in the city was dancing. It was important to know the latest dances and to wear the latest fashions.
