These Classic Quilt Blocks Have A Hidden Message

Flying Geese Block

The Flying Geese block was used as a way to communicate direction. When traveling through the night, the “conductors” on the Underground Railroad used the stars and constellations to navigate their way – the North Star being the main one used to guide the slaves towards freedom. During the day, however, they had to get more creative. The Flying Geese block, as you might have guessed, referred to geese! The safest times to travel on the Underground Railroad were during the spring and summer months when the geese would be flying north. By looking to the geese and heading in the same direction, not only would the slaves be going north towards freedom, but they would be lead to streams along the way to rest and get water. The Flying Geese block let the slaves know they were on the right path towards freedom.

Drunkard’s Path Block

Letting the slaves know they were safe and on the right path is important, but equally as important was letting them know when they weren’t safe – and how to correct their course. The Drunkard’s Path block communicated that the path ahead was unsure, and the slaves should zig zag and disperse so as not to get caught.

Wagon Wheel Block

The Wagon Wheel block signaled for the slaves to gear up and get ready for the trip ahead. They should think about what supplies and essentials they would need to survive the journey and to be discerning with what they brought because it would likely have to either be carried by hand or loaded onto a wagon. A variation on this block is the Carpenter’s Wheel which had particular significance because of its association with the old Spiritual, “Steal Away,” the refrain of which said, “Steal away, steal away home; I ain’t got long to stay here.” This communicated for the slaves to run with faith to the north.