Life in colonial America was, in many ways, a mix of tradition, survival, and strange practices that might leave us scratching our heads today. From unusual courtship rituals to bizarre laws and customs, colonial Americans engaged in behaviors that were both normal for them and wildly odd by modern standards. Here are 17 everyday occurrences that were commonplace back then but seem downright weird today.
1. Bundling: Sleeping Together Without Touching

In colonial America, courting couples often shared a bed before marriage, but not in the way you might think. To keep things “chaste,” a wooden board or sewn sheet was placed between the couple, theoretically preventing physical contact. Known as bundling, this practice was especially common in winter months when travel was treacherous, and staying overnight was necessary. Of course, one can imagine how often this system was… stretched.
2. Premarital Pregnancy Was Surprisingly Common

Despite strict moral teachings, about one in three brides in colonial America were pregnant on their wedding day. The belief was that marriage was more of a business arrangement than a romantic union, so young couples often tested their compatibility a little too thoroughly beforehand. Even the clergy, who preached against such behavior, struggled to curb the trend.
3. Arranged Marriages Were All About Wealth

Colonial marriages were often arranged based on social standing, property, and wealth rather than love. Fathers would negotiate deals with prospective husbands, ensuring their daughters married into secure financial situations. Love, if it came at all, was considered a bonus rather than a requirement. This was particularly rigid in wealthy families where land, name, and money took precedence over feelings.
4. Common Law Marriages Were Recognized

Not everyone needed a church ceremony to be married. In colonial America, a couple could simply agree to live together and be considered legally wed under common law. This practice was especially common among lower classes, avoiding the cost of church fees or taxes.
5. Prostitution Was Thriving in Port Cities

In bustling colonial seaports like Boston, Philadelphia, and Charleston, prostitution flourished. Sailors, traders, and travelers brought both demand and disease to the cities. “Disorderly houses,” or brothels, became part of city life, and courts frequently handed down fines and public whippings to women accused of “fornication.”
6. Bed Boards: The Strange Courtship Ritual

Similar to bundling, bed boards were another odd way to let couples test their chemistry before marriage. Young men and women would share a bed under parental supervision with a wooden plank separating them. Though meant to preserve chastity, the effectiveness of this method was questionable.
7. The Scarlet Letter Punishments

Colonial courts didn’t shy away from public humiliation. Adultery and other sexual “crimes” were punished by whipping, time in the stocks, or forcing individuals to wear visible badges marking their offense. Imagine walking through town with a giant “A” sewn on your shirt for “adultery.” Some women even had their cheeks permanently branded for repeat offenses.
8. Sodomy Laws Were Strict but Softened Over Time

While laws against homosexuality existed in most colonies, punishments became less severe as time went on. Initially, sodomy was a crime punishable by death, but as colonies grew and labor was more critical than moral enforcement, many judges turned to lighter sentences instead.
9. Abortion Was Legal and Widely Practiced

Surprisingly, abortion was legal in colonial America until quickening, or the point when a mother first felt the baby move. Midwives, who were trusted members of the community, typically performed abortions using herbal remedies. This practice was accepted as a way to prevent families from becoming burdens on society.
10. Pornographic Literature Was Popular

Despite religious moralities, colonists were no strangers to risqué entertainment. Plays, songs, and pamphlets often included suggestive content, and people like Benjamin Franklin used subtle innuendos in works to spark laughter and controversy.
11. Marriage Was a Teen Affair

Although most women married in their twenties, it was not uncommon for girls as young as 15 or 16 to be promised in marriage, particularly in arranged matches. Many families believed securing a good match early was key to ensuring financial stability.
12. Syphilis Was a Constant Fear

Venereal diseases, especially syphilis (referred to as “the pox”), ran rampant in colonial America. With no antibiotics and limited medical knowledge, doctors could do little more than offer treatments that eased symptoms but rarely cured the illness. The disease was so prevalent that it became a significant health crisis.
13. “Helltown” and Coastal Red-Light Districts

Cities like Philadelphia had specific neighborhoods, such as “Helltown,” notorious for prostitution and gambling. Some brothels catered to wealthy clientele, offering not only women but also wine, card games, and discretion.
14. Handfasting: A DIY Wedding Ceremony

For those avoiding arranged marriages or church fees, handfasting was a common option. Couples would clasp hands, exchange vows in private, and be considered married under common law. Witnesses were often optional as long as the couple swore under oath that the ceremony had taken place.
15. The Church Dictated Bedroom Laws

Colonial religious leaders often quoted the Bible’s Book of Leviticus to dictate what married couples could and couldn’t do in the bedroom. While harsh punishments were initially common for “deviant” acts, as the colonies expanded, enforcement softened, and leniency became the norm.
16. Midwives Knew More Than Doctors

In colonial times, midwives were far more skilled at childbirth than most doctors. They were often trusted with not only delivering babies but also handling abortions, contraceptive advice, and women’s health issues.
17. Sailors Spread Diseases Across the Colonies

Colonial ports were hotspots for trade – and disease. Sailors traveling from across the globe brought syphilis and other venereal diseases with them, which spread rapidly in cities. Without medical cures, outbreaks were constant threats to public health.
A Place of Contradictions

Colonial America was a place of contradictions, where religious strictness clashed with human nature, and survival often pushed social norms to their limits. These strange and sometimes shocking practices might seem bizarre today, but they reveal a lot about how early Americans lived, loved, and coped with the challenges of their time.

Raised in a small Arizona town, Kevin grew up surrounded by rugged desert landscapes and a family of hunters. His background in competitive shooting and firearms training has made him an authority on self-defense and gun safety. A certified firearms instructor, Kevin teaches others how to properly handle and maintain their weapons, whether for hunting, home defense, or survival situations. His writing focuses on responsible gun ownership, marksmanship, and the role of firearms in personal preparedness.