A traitor and a quilt, born in Connecticut
On this day in 1741 Benedict Arnold was born in Norwich Connecticut. Arnold fought for the Americans early in the Revolutionary War, becoming a general and playing key roles in crucial victories. He was not satisfied with the recognition he received however, and became one of the most famous traitors in American history when he attempted to give away U.S. posts in return for money, was caught and escaped to British territories.

This Tree of Life wholecloth quilt was hand quilted by Mary Sill in Old Lyme, Connecticut around 1840. The fabric, made from a bed curtain, dates as early as the 1790’s though. The quilt was eventually brought to Hawaii by descendants of the quiltmaker, and they donated the quilt to the DAR by the Aloha chapter.

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/topics/benedict-arnold

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