The History of Rocking Chairs

It’s not clear who invented this quintessential piece of Americana, but it’s generally considered to have been born in America. Based on rocking cradles and rocking horses, the rocking chair was originally designed as an outdoor item, but quickly made its way inside the house. Craftsman in New England were famous for creating beautiful rocking chairs, and even after the Industrial Revolution the region remained significant, with many New England companies mass producing the chairs. Both President John F. Kennedy and President Abraham Lincoln have notable ties to this classic piece of American furniture.