The History of Square-Dancing.

The article explores the history of square-dancing in U.S. culture and society. The author reflects on the social life and customs of the Puritans and the instruction of manners through dancing. The evolution of French country dancing into contra-dancing is described. The author considers the role of country dancing during the American Revolution and other topics such as cotillions, the relationship of city dwellers to rural people, quadrilles, the social acceptance of the waltz, and the disappearance of square dancing from urban society.