Barn Quilts History
The tradition of barn quilts began about 15 years ago in Ohio by a woman eager to honor her mother. The idea quickly gained popularity and spread to 48 states and Canada.
Barn quilts are large, colorfully painted quilt blocks hung on buildings or added to landscaping to add aesthetic beauty to the rural scenery. Patterns and colors are chosen by the owners.
Most quilt trails are county-wide efforts supported by quilt guilds, civic groups, local arts councils, 4-H clubs and other organizations.
EC Barn Quilt Gallery
Edwards County Fun Facts
Edwards County
- Home of the first Public Library in the State of Illinois
- Home of the first Chamber of Commerce in the State
- Home of the first Consolidated School District in the State
EC Statistics
- 223 square miles
- 4th smallest county in Illinois
- 116,690 acres of farmland
- Population approximately 7,000
- More than 15,000 hogs and 3,000 cattle
- Cities & Villages: Albion, West Salem, Bone Gap, Browns & Grayville
Walking Tour
While in Albion, check out the walking tour of historic landmarks.
More information can be found at
Special Events
- Pork Day USA ~ July
- West Salem Freedom Festival ~ The weekend before the 4th of July
- Bone Gap Chowder ~ August
- Albion Chowder ~ June
- Edwards County Fair ~ Late July
- Grayville Days ~ Labor Day weekend