Tracks to California
On this day in 1883 the Southern Pacific Railroad completed its Sunset Route from New Orleans to California. The company, nicknamed the “Espee,” dominated rail travel to the Pacific, exploiting customers with high shipping rates and edging out his competitors. They did, however, foster a vibrant California economy that continued to thrive for decades.
This stunning Rocky Road to California quilt was made by Magdalena Fisher Yoder of the Amish community in Arthur, Illinois around 1910. The quilt features a machine pieced wool top, wool batting, a pieced sateen back and a cotton binding. This quilt, as well as 3 others by Yoder and at least a dozen more by Yoder’s relatives, are part of the Illinois State Museum collection.

View this quilt on The Quilt Index to read more about it’s history, design and construction. Be sure to use the zoom tool for a detailed view.

Sources:

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/southern-pacific-railroad-completes-sunset-route

Posted by Amy E. Milne
Executive Director, Quilt Alliance
amy.milne@quiltalliance.org