Divided Hearts: A Civil War Friendship Quilt

The Divided Hearts quilt is a unique and poignant artifact from the American Civil War. It was made by a group of women in Tennessee in 1863, and it features two distinct halves: one made of Confederate fabrics and the other made of Union fabrics. The quilt is a powerful reminder of the deep divisions that existed during the war, but it also speaks to the enduring power of friendship.

Divided Hearts: A Civil War Friendship Quilt

by Barbara Brackman

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	39636 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	301 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Creation of the Quilt

The Divided Hearts quilt was made by a group of women in Clarksville, Tennessee, who were members of the Clarksville Methodist Episcopal Church. The women were all friends, and they had been meeting together to sew and socialize for several years. When the war broke out, they decided to make a quilt to show their support for the Union cause.

The women used fabrics that they had on hand, and they divided the quilt into two halves. The Confederate half was made of fabrics in shades of gray, blue, and red, while the Union half was made of fabrics in shades of blue, white, and red. The women also added a variety of appliqués to the quilt, including stars, hearts, and flags. The quilt was finished in 1863, and it was given to the church as a gift.

The Quilt's Symbolism

The Divided Hearts quilt is a powerful symbol of the divisions that existed during the Civil War. The two halves of the quilt represent the two sides of the conflict, and the appliqués represent the hopes and fears of the women who made it. The stars represent the hope for a reunited country, the hearts represent the love that the women had for their friends and family, and the flags represent the loyalty that they felt to their respective causes.

The quilt also speaks to the enduring power of friendship. Despite the war, the women who made the quilt remained friends. They continued to meet together after the war, and they continued to sew and socialize. The quilt is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, friendship can prevail.

The Quilt Today

The Divided Hearts quilt is now on display at the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville. It is a popular exhibit, and it has been featured in numerous books and articles. The quilt is a reminder of the Civil War, but it is also a reminder of the power of friendship.

The quilt has been restored several times, and it is in excellent condition. The fabrics are still bright and vibrant, and the appliqués are still intact. The quilt is a testament to the skill of the women who made it, and it is a powerful reminder of the history of the United States.

The Divided Hearts quilt is a unique and poignant artifact from the American Civil War. It is a reminder of the deep divisions that existed during the war, but it also speaks to the enduring power of friendship. The quilt is a testament to the skill of the women who made it, and it is a powerful reminder of the history of the United States.

Source: Tennessee State Museum

Divided Hearts: A Civil War Friendship Quilt

by Barbara Brackman

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	39636 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	301 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE