There may be a lot more interesting history related to the piccolo than you might imagine.
History of the Piccolo
On the Vienna Symphonic Library website is a short informative article about the history of the development of the piccolo, with relative facts about the recorder and Boehm flute.
https://www.vsl.co.at/en/Piccolo/History
The piccolo, and the concert flute, both evolved from the military transverse flute of the Middle Ages. When in the mid 17th century the art of flute-making underwent a process of rapid innovation, the technical improvements made to the flute were passed on one by one to its smaller sister, the piccolo traverso. In the early 18th century the piccolo began to appear with one to four keys, and more were added as the century progressed. In the years that followed the piccolo’s development mirrored that of the flute.
Be sure to follow this link to read this excellent history of the piccolo.
The Piccolo Soloists
“The Piccolo Soloists” is a hugely informative and detailed article regarding piccolo soloists of the past, including a list of flutists in Sousa’s Band. Included are historic pictures of players and links to recordings of their performances. How great that we have this available.
“The piccolo first made its presence felt in the eighteenth century but it wasn’t until the following century that its use became more widespread in orchestras. The instrument evolved from fife to Boehm system much as the concert flute, and more and more composers included a piccolo part in their orchestral scores throughout the nineteenth century. However, it soon became apparent that piccolos demanded special requirements from the players.”
https://www.dwsolo.com/flutehistory/piccolo/The%20Piccolo%20Soloists.htm
Piccolo Composers and Players Biographical Notes
https://www.dwsolo.com/flutehistory/piccolo/ComposersandPlayers.htm