The quilt patterns or blocks that are displayed in the Quilt Discovery Experience were in the quilts used by pioneer women as they traveled West and homesteaded the prairie. When he signed the Homestead Act of 1862, President Lincoln sent a clear message that he believed the Union could, and would endure, and that it would prosper. This is often called the Sunshine and Shadow pattern.ĭeeply engaged in a bloody Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln did not hesitate when Congress presented him with legislation that could energize a weary nation.
As the sun traveled west, part of the cabin was left in the shadow, creating the dark side of the block. As the sun rose, its light shown on the cabin, creating the light side of the block. This represented the sun's east to west movement in the sky. Many Log Cabin patterns were worked in two color schemes, lights and darks, divided diagonally in the middle. Each fabric strip or log was added to the pattern in much the same way logs were stacked to build a cabin and because the straight lines and small pieces of the pattern could utilize almost any fabric scrap available, it often became the final step in the recycling of fabric. The name, Log Cabin, comes from the narrow strips of fabric, or logs arranged around the center square. The center square of the block was done in red to represent the hearth, the focal point of life in a cabin or home. To pioneers traveling West, it symbolized home, warmth, love and security. The Log Cabin block is one of the most well-known and popular of all patchwork patterns.
They also depict other popular patterns used in 1862, when the Homestead Act was signed by President Lincoln, up until the Act was repealed in 1986.įollow the trail to learn more about quilt making and the history of quilts and how they truly are documents of history, reflecting who we were as a nation and a people. The quilt patterns or "blocks" that are displayed on the Quilt Trail were in the quilts used by pioneer women as they traveled West and homesteaded the prairie. Thousands of quilt blocks and patterns have been created and sewn through the decades.
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Stitched into these quilts is the rich heritage of thrifty self-sufficient women who helped homestead the land, the history of families sewn into quilts one patch or one stitch at a time, and the legacy of the art of quilting, passed on from generation to generation. The history of America can be seen in the history of quilts. They are the products of their society, influenced by the culture, and the environment of the people who made them. Through the years, quilts have become documents of history. They served a variety of purposes not only on the trip west, but also once the pioneers arrived at their destination. While some quilts were packed as treasures in trunks, others were kept close at hand for daily use. In fact, a great deal of sewing was done, as travel guides suggested that each family should bring enough bedding so that each man, woman and child would have 2-3 blankets or quilts. They packed dishes, clothing, utensils, needles and thread…and they sewed. The women salted meats and dried fruits and sweet corn, purchased coffee and beans and barrels of sugar and flour. Men saw to the wagons, animals, weapons, farm equipment and tools. The pioneers spent months, sometimes up to a year - preparing for their trip West. When he signed the Homestead Act of 1862, President Lincoln sent a clear message that he believed the Union could and would endure, and that it would prosper.Īs a result, 270 million acres of land, owned by the Federal Government, in 30 states, was offered for homesteading, thus creating the Westward Movement, one of the largest migrations of people in our nation's history. Ask a Ranger for the Quilt Discovery Tour companion booklet to take with you as you explore Homestead National Historical Park!ĭeeply engaged in a bloody Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln did not hesitate when Congress presented him with legislation that could energize a weary nation.
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