There was some discussion today on the Quilt History List about the Log Cabin design. The report is that it was used in the mid 1800"s with a quilt being show dated 1860 with another from just before the Civil War.
I chuckled over the suggestion of doing a Crazy Patch and pictured the quilt made with elegent satins, lace, velvet.
Considering what is rumored to take place in the rooms above the saloon, this might be very appropriate......lol
I believe quilts of this period and especially those taken by families traveling in wagon trains would have been very simple and used for warmth rather than fancy so primitive looking would be appropriate - log cabin, squares etc.