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The American Civil War (1861–1865)
There were many years and events leading up to the American Civil War. First quilts were made to raise funds to support the abolitionist movement then during the Civil War quilts were made to earn money for the war effort and to give warmth and comfort to soldiers. The patterns were much like those made mid-century but the purpose was different. Quilts connected to the abolitionist movement and the Civil War were made for a cause.

Even before 1830 abolitionists were working hard to end slavery. One way they did this was to hold grand fairs to raise both awareness and money for the abolitionist cause. Quilts were one of many craft pieces sold at these fairs. These quilts were usually fine quilts often with beautiful appliqué. Women sometimes put anti-slavery poems and sayings on the quilts they made for fairs as well as for friends and family. The goal was to show the terrible plight of the slaves.

Contrasted with the harsh realities and challenges of slave escapes and the consequences of being caught, a romanticized view of quilts and/or quilt blocks assisting slave escapes is an appealing respite. For this reason, children's books which reiterate the idea of the secret quilt code and all of its particulars have become increasingly popular. Talks have been presented that tout the code myth as fact, in spite of massive efforts by quilt historians to correct the record and explain in concrete terms why the code is just another pretty story. To date, not one bit of concrete evidence has been found to support such a theory.

After considering the known history of quilt blocks, and the issues regarding the Underground Railroad and runaway slaves, quilt historians, have denounced the "new" information as myth. But this does not take away from the beauty of the quilts created at this time with the wonderful muted dye colors used to make the fabrics. Here then are some reproduction fabrics for you to recreate the old patterns.

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