This is a photo of the original yarn sewn rug made circa 1810.
This rug is believed to be sewn by a sailor. Sailors were known to do hand crafts when at sea. This rug has nautical motifs, with the four flags, in each corner, believed to represent ports of call. The stars, anchor and eagle makes one think it was an American sailor. This would be easy to hook, with everything in blocks of color.
The Smithsonian Institution, Hall of American Maritime Enterprise: Gift of Tessin Zorach. Photo Credit: America Hurrah Archives