What do Quilts on Barns Mean in Utah?

Quilting is an age-old tradition and hobby that dates back to ancient Egypt however in America, you might see them on...barns. 

There is some history behind how quilts on barns became a symbol of security and a safe haven. According to the Southwestern Indiana Master Gardner Association, the colonists used quilts on barns during the Revolutionary War. It symbolized that it was “safe, secure, and supplies were available.” 

Barn quilts were also used during the Civil War for the Underground Railroad with the same intentions.  

Now, barn quilts have a different meaning, and the modern version of the barn quilt got its start in 2001 from a woman named Donna Sue Groves. Groves wanted to honor her late mother and her Appalachian roots, so she painted a quilt on a barn in Ohio.  

The idea has spread all over the country and now, Utah is one of those places.  

There are not only barn quilts but also barn quilt trails that locals, tourists, and quilting enthusiasts can see in 48 states (and Canada). The Top of Utah Barn Quilt Trail is Utah’s version of this.  

Located near the Idaho border, there are dozens of barn quilts to view.  

You’ll be able to see beautiful painted quilt patterns on barns residing anywhere from Brigham City northward. The quilt barns have fun names, some speaking to the colors and patterns of the barn quilt.  

Unfortunately, Southern Utah has no known versions of this, and if there are, they aren’t on the map. So, when you go up north make sure to check out these beautiful quilt barns.