Can anyone give me a good source to find the history /meaning of blocks or when some first appeared? I am trying to locate some that were around during civil war times. There are so many out there with histories created by the present day author.

I've often wondered the same myself, how did they get their names?? Some are self explanatory (9 patch, card trick, split rail) but I don't know when they came into being.

I only know of one, and it's one of my favorite block (and I love to make it in Red White Blue!). Fifty-Four Forty or flight.

Here's a link that explains it.

http://geography.about.com/od/politi...440orfight.htm

you might want to see if your library carries this book http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-O.../dp/0891458158

What an awesome looking book. Will definitely check with the local library. The cost to own is a bit too much for my pocket at this time.... like most things! Thank you for your help

These sites will give you some background and some leads.
http://www.womenfolk.com/quilting_history/pieced.htm
http://www.earlywomenmasters.net/quilts/index.html
http://www.quilting-in-america.com/Quilt-Blocks.html