Women during the 1,800s were not allowed to speak in public or vote, yet they had strong opinions on Union and Secession. The Civil War inflicted hardships on both sides. The patchwork quilt recycled materials and created lasting memories of that time. During the Civil War both Southern and Northern women made quilts for their soldiers. Have the students look at the quilt activity sheet.
Younger students can color the different quilt designs.
Have older students create a quilt block for the Siege of Vicksburg. Students may be divided into teams. Once the blocks are completed, the students construct a large quilt from their designs. This activity can be done with construction paper or fabric. Older students can study the geometry of quilt patterns and the use of various shapes and angles to form a flat block.