How quilts were used in the Underground Railroad
 

I attended a presentation yesterday by a group of ladies from Linden, Texas who showed and told about how quilts were used in the underground railroad. The presentation was held at our local college and room was packed. It was very informative and very interesting. the quilt on display looked like an ordinary sampler quilt. But, the different patterns held a secret message. Some of the patterns were the monkey wrench, the wheel, the bear paw, the crossroads, the log cabin, the drunkard path, the star. If you ever get a chance to see this presentation, be sure and go. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed a light lunch provided by our local Home Extension Officers.

I would have been sitting in the front row at this presentation !!! I really enjoy quilting history and I am fascinated by the Underground Railroad. Lucky you that you got to go!!!

Sounds like an interesting presentation. I have Eleanor Burn's book, Underground Railroad, and it has some great stores in it. I had no idea how creative they were.

This is jsut a myth that continues. http://www.time.com/time/arts/articl...606271,00.html

There have been investigations into this claim, that quilts were used as a signaling methods for the underground railroad. The research indicates that this is a myth.

It probably is a myth, but it is a believable myth. How do we know that some of this is not true? I, too, love the story. I've made the quilt in Eleanor Burns' book (eh-hum -- the top only; still not quilted:o). It was a fun and interesting experience. Love the poem that goes with it.

I agree. I to love the story.

Even if it is a myth, I still love the stroy.

Total fiction. And if you know anything about history and about how things really were, not even all that believable.

I've heard it was a myth but it seems so reasonable .... people running had to have some kind of signaling system to know which routes were safe and which homes were open to them. I believe these stories were partly true.