The Underground Railroad Quilt Code Patterns |
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Monkey Wrench Prepare the tools you’ll need for the long journey, including the mental and spiritual tools. Or (as a Ship’s Wheel), the pilot is prepared to begin the transport. |
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Wagon WheelLoad the wagon or prepare to board the wagon to begin the escape. |
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Bear’s Paw Take a mountain trail, out of view. Follow the path made by bear tracks; they can lead you to water and food. |
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Crossroads Refers to Cleveland, Ohio, a destination offering several routes to freedom. It also signifies reaching a point where a person’s life will change, so one must be willing to go on. |
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Log Cabin A secret symbol that could be drawn on the ground indicating that a person is safe to talk to. It also advises seeking shelter |
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Shoofly Possibly identifies a friendly guide who is nearby and can help. |
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BowtieDress in a disguise, or put on a change of clothes. |
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Flying Geese Points to a direction to follow, such as where geese would fly during spring migration. |
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Drunkard’s Path Create a zig-zag path, do not walk in a straight line, to avoid pursuers in this area. |
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Star Follow the North Star. Worked in conjunction with the popular song, “Follow the Drinking Gourd,” a reference to the Big Dipper constellation. |
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This is the story of young Clara, a slave girl in the south who wants to escape to freedom. She helps to create a special quilt, which doubles as a map, to help her get to the North and freedom. This story is an excellent way to teach perseverance, resourcefulness, and the strength of the human spirit. Though African American slavery is a weighty topic, this book addresses the issue in a way that is accessible and gentle for the young reader. |
Resources :
Lesson Plans at AfricanaHeritage.com
National Geographic Online Click here
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center here
Here's a list of Code Words used by workers on the Underground Railroad
Here's a link to the Underground Railroad Code Quilt Code.
