Underground Railroad Quilt
 

The story of the Underground Railroad Quilt is fascinating.

The blacks were not allowed to learn to read and write so the abolitionists had to devise a way to silently communicate directions to escapees, thus the idea of quilt patterns with meanings for those wanting freedom came into being. These quilts with special patterns could be hung on a line, out an open window or other places and not arouse any suspicions. They looked simply like a housewife airing her bedding. </SPAN>Each quilt signaled a specific action for a slave to take at the particular time that the quilt was on view. The quilt codes were signals for slaves to prepare to escape and gave clues and directions on the journey.

I am making one 12" block of each design. Here are six of nineteen blocks I have completed so far and their codes.

#1 - Jacob’s Ladder</SPAN> – It has an alternating path of dark and light that can be used to show a direction. The slaves could know which way to go by the angle at which the quilt was placed outside the home of the abolitionist.
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#2 - Monkey Wrench</SPAN> – It was heavy metal tool used by the blacksmith. As a rule, the blacksmith was the most knowledgeable person on the plantation and was known as the “Monkey Wrench”. He could travel around without anyone thinking anything suspicious and therefore pass any information needed. In other words, the Monkey Wrench was the person or a group of people who got things moving, or - turned the wagon wheel. </SPAN>
When this quilt was displayed it meant it was time collect tools needed on the journey north to freedom. There were physical tools needed – for constructing shelter, for defending themselves, and determining direction. Along with food, and a few coins, they were to wrap these tools in a bandanna bundle. </SPAN>
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#3 - Wagon Wheel</SPAN>– Not only was the wagon wheel symbolic of a “chariot that was to carry them home”, but wagons with hidden compartments were one of the primary means of transporting escaping runaways. The quilt was a message to pack provisions as if packing a wagon, keeping in mind packing only what was essential.</SPAN>
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#4 - Carpenter’s Wheel</SPAN> – This was a secondary code pattern. To the slave, the master carpenter in their lives was Jesus. They would sing the “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” and the plantation owner thought they were singing about going to Heaven, but actually it was message to follow the directions to the west northwest – to Ohio.
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#5 - Bear Paw</SPAN> – With this quilt the runaways were directed to follow an actual trail of a bear’s footprints. The animal footprints would indicate the best path, just like a road map. Most escapes took place in the spring and with the spring rains it would be easy to follow a bear’s paw trail to food and safety. </SPAN>
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#6 - Basket</SPAN>– Symbol of provisions needed for the long journey north. One of the most difficult things faced by the escaping slaves was feeding themselves along the way. They took what they could carry and then had to depend on safe houses or friends to help. Abolitionists would give them baskets of provisions and tools such as flint and compasses. So one of these quilts hung outside a house would mean a basket of provisions could be had there.
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very interesting. please tell us more.

your blocks look great

Your blocks are wonderful!

But it has recently been shown that the legend of the Underground railroad using quilts is just that, a legend.....yet it's a fun fictional story and there have been many delightful quilts made over the years representing the image. Yours will be among the best, it appears.:thumbup:

Thanks so much for sharing.:)

Jan in VA

very nice blocks!!!

Beautiful blocks. I believe that there is always a bit of truth to some legends. BrendaK

My research indicates the legend started with a lady trying to sell a quilt for big bucks using big tales! I want to think it was back in the 1980's. Regardless the blocks are lovely

True or not, I am having fun making this quilt. The quilt blocks without the story are somewhat dowdy.
I believe in fairy tales!

That's what I figured. It seemed unlikely that slaves from all over, without a lot of contact with each other, would all understand these secret "clues"... but they are beautiful quilt blocks and and an interesting urban legend.

this is so true. i became involved w a online discussion last year with another history buff. we had a great time doing research and were amazed at the amount of information we found frommuniversities and historical wevsites. there is a tremendous amount of information and postings of research articles about white abolutionist members of the railroad, of quilts that were used as information hung on fences to direct the escaping slaves... i agree, fun legend w great stories, but, currently, pretty much debunked as a factual account of early american history.

and your blocks are beautiful, beautifully done.