Quilt Code Collection
Underground Railroad Quilt Code
Self-Guided
Audio by Jenny Li
Transcript
The Quilt Code was a way for enslaved people to find their way to freedom when they ran away from the plantations. It was a visual map. What do we call it? GB’s of the day. Providing directions without a sound. This quilt was said to be embodied with patches, so that by reading the shapes sewn into the a person on the run could know locations of safe houses.
The best time to leave and which routes to take. It’s important to note that exact to use of the quilt code is still shroud in the mystery. However, through generations of stories, physical events, and personal history, people have pieced together a clear picture of this ingenious and smart escape route. Our collection over here was made by Cora Ferris, a resident of Tucson.
Her great grandfather was a slave, and through the stories passed down in her family, she had learned of the amazing boundaries that needed to be overcome to achieve freedom finally. We want people to understand that slaves may not have be able to talk and teach each other, but they had a way of communicating.
These different patches signify something different. Let’s start with the Monkey Wrench, with a signal to get ready and gather all the tools required for the journey.
The Wagon will mean that we will get ready for you and it’s time to get ready for the escape preparations. The Bear’s Paw means to follow an animal’s trail through the mountain to find water and food. The Crossroads referred to Cleveland, Ohio, Detroit and Michigan with several routes to freedom. The Log Cabin was a safe house where slaves knew they could stop without fear.
The Shoofly could have referred to a person who aided escaped slaves. Bow Ties signaled a disguise for slaves to avoid detection while traveling. The Flying Geese mean to keep going. Do not stop. The Drunkard’s Path mean to run a zig zigzag pattern to throw off those who are tracking you. The North star was used as a guide to navigate.
These coded quilts were passed down through generations and required trust. It captured African-Americans imaginations and has become the symbol of hope, freedom, and a love for those who escaped slavery on the Underground Railroad. It’s a great way to connect with our past and understand the struggles and experience of those who came before us.
After the combined efforts of our Executive Director Beverely, interns, and volunteers, our virtual tour is now live!
Even if you’re unable to visit the museum in person, we invite you to explore the incredible history of African Americans in Southern Arizona through our virtual tour.
For the best viewing experience, we recommend using the latest version of Chrome or Firefox browser on a computer or laptop. To enhance your experience, please switch to full-screen mode and select 4K quality for optimal image quality. While watching the video, feel free to drag your mouse or adjust the angle to view the entire museum.
If you have a VR headset, you can immerse yourself in the tour and feel like you’re truly here with us!
Virtual Tour Presenter: Beverely Elliott/Emma Márquez Peterson/Mingde Li/Jenny Li/Melora Hutcheson
Virtual Tour Producer: Mingde Li & Jenny Li
