Log Cabin Block Historical Highlights

The name Log Cabin is likely related to Abraham Lincoln’s history of reportedly growing up in a log cabin, and his 1860 presidential campaign.

Written mentions of a Log Cabin quilt date back to 1863 when an honorable award was given for a “log cabin quilt” at the Ohio State Fair.

Later that year fundraisers supporting the Union Army featured log cabin quilts, at least 3 of which were made from silk. It’s been reported the log cabin pattern was developed in the 1860s as a technique for silk patchwork, and became so popular all types of fabrics were used to make the design.

During the time when people were fleeing slavery seeking freedom through the underground railroad, reportedly a log cabin quilt (or block) where the center square was black signaled the house was a safe place to stay.

The popularity of the Log Cabin quilt carried on for decades through the late 1800’s and into the 1900’s. Color palettes morphed moving into the 1900s from gray to indigo to deep red, plaids and even pastels in the 1930’s. A writer in 1935 stated that “No Colonial home was complete without one or more” quilts of the Log Cabin pattern.