Ruch Library Oregon Trail Quilt Program

12 + years

Described as “a determined, trail-wise woman”, Mary Louisa Black and her family left Missouri in 1865 to begin their trek to the Oregon country. When preparing for their journey, Mary Louisa included in their belongings a quilt, “sent along to be a comfort and reminder of the loving friends who quilted the going away present”. The Blacks settled along the Rogue River, near Shady Cove. Annice Black, Mary Louisa’s great-granddaughter, speaks about her family’s rich history and the quilt that has been in the family’s possession for 157 years.