In the mid 19th century, little girls wore bonnets mainly for practicality and tradition. The bonnets protected them from the sun and were seen as a proper part of a young girl's outfit. That's Sew Minnesota : An 18th Century Gown and Bonnet for an 8 year old Finally Finishing My 1831 Bonnet The Quintessential Clothes Pen Discover 31 Pioneer Dresses and Bonnets and pioneer dress ideas historical clothing, pioneer clothing, historical dresses and more Easter Bonnets of the Late 19th Century Mimi Matthews