The Quilts of the Underground Railroad
Feb 22, 2016
The Quilts of the Underground
Railroad
Monkey Wrench This was the first quilt to be
displayed, Told the slaves that it was
almost time to leave. The slaves understood this
to mean “gather your tools for the journey”.
If the plantation had a blacksmith, he was known as the “Monkey Wrench”
Frederick Douglass was the 'monkey wrench' on his plantation prior to his escape..
Wagon WheelThis was the second quilt displayed, indicating that it was time to pack the essential provisions for survival on their journey. Often wagons had secret
compartments where slaves could be hidden.
Carpenter’s Wheel
Slaves were to follow the carpenter's wheel west-northwest.
Bear’s PawFollowing the Bear's Paw prints in the woods would lead
the slaves to food and water on their journey.
Log Cabin
This square had red centers, signifying the hearth at the center of the home.
When the center was yellow, it signified that the light was on, and it was safe to
come in.
Basket
When a quilt made of Baskets was displayed on
their journey, fugitive slaves would stay in
hiding until food was brought to
them.
North Star The Big dipper
points to the North Start.
By following the North Star,
they would always be
heading in the right direction.
Bow TiesAlong their journey, their clothing became tattered and torn, drawing attention to them. When they saw a "Bow Tie" quilt hung to air out, it
meant that they were to stay put, in hiding, and fresh clothing would be brought to them, enabling them to blend into society better.
Flying Geese• Slaves escaping in the
spring should notice and follow the direction of the geese returning north for
the summer.
• Abolitionists along the route would make quilts
with just one of the 4 patterns different.
• By hanging the quilt to air out, it would point the direction the slaves were
to follow.