The fall of the Roman Empire also ended the era of bathing as a regular and even recreational activity for people. For hundreds of years after, bathing was regarded as unnecessary or even as a hazardous activity that should not be done unless absolutely necessary.

Starting in the middle of the 1800’s, bathing in the United States began to make a modest return. Bathing occasionally took place in a tin or small copper tub next to a kitchen fire or pot-bellied stove. Soon, cast-iron vats converted from animal troughs were replacing the primitive tubs.

Photo provided by ClassicClawfootTubs.com.

These new tubs had an enamel coating for an attractive surface and easy cleaning, and were larger which made them more comfortable for soaking. The tubs had an addition of four legs, attached to the bottom to stand on resembling animal feet, typically with claws. These “claw foot tubs” caught on quickly with people and bathing came into vogue once more by the late 1800’s. They were viewed as luxurious and refined.