Civil War Block - Homestead National Monument of America

Location: Gage County Historical Society and Museum
Inspiration: This block is one of 16 blocks that make up a quilt used by a Union soldier during the Civil War.  The soldier was originally from Ohio, but was in Confederate territory.  On a cold and dreary day, his commander told his soldiers to go into the countryside to find clothing, blankets, etc. to use to keep warm.  The soldier arrived at a home and asked the homemaker if she could spare a coat or blanket.  She gave him this beautiful, hand appliqued and quilted quilt. He said, "No, this is much too beautiful for me to take."  She responded, " I have a son fighting in the Confederate Army.  If he asked for help, I would hope that someone would help him as I am helping you."  After the war, the soldier returned to Ohio. Eventually he homesteaded in Polk County, Nebraska, and later moved to Beatrice, where he died in 1913.  His family donated the quilt to the Historical Society.  It has hung in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.