Monkey Wrench

This was the first square of a series that led slaves to freedom. The Monkey wrench meant get your tools, including mental tools, together to go.

Flying Geese

Told slaves to follow migrating geese north as well as the best season for them to escape-spring & summer.

Wagon Wheel

This block told slaves to board the wagon, either literally or figuratively.

Underground Railway

Known as the Carpenters Wheel it was intended as a reminder that they did not travel alone.

Carpenter's Wheel

Bow Ties

This pattern meant someone would bring the slave nice clothes to replace tattered ones, so they would blend in.

Crossroads

Once through the mountains, slaves were to travel to the crossroads. The main crossroad was Cleveland,Ohio.

Log Cabin

This pattern helped slaves know where safe houses were for them to seek shelter.

Bear's Claw

This one carried the advice to follow the paths that bears made in the woods. Apparently easy to follow, but not frequented by people.

Drunkard\s Path

This pattern told slaves to stagger back & forth to elude any slave hunters. told them they might even double back to avoid them.

The Star

The star is a quilt square that refers to the north star, as in "follow the drinking gourd" which is where this series started.

Shoefly

May have meant that there was a helpful person nearby.