Gees Bend

The Gee's Bend Quilt Collective
The Gee’s Bend Quilt Collective

Gee’s Bend is a small rural community located in a curve in the Alabama River in the northern part of Wilcox County, AL.  Founded in the early 1800s, it was the site of cotton plantations.  After the Civil War, the freed slaves became tenant farmers and founded an all-black community that was nearly isolated from the surrounding world..  Many of them eventually bought the farms from the government in the 1940s.

The women in the community created quilts as a means of supporting their families.  These quilts were made using whatever materials were available.  This group of ladies developed a distinctive, bold, and sophisticated quilting style based on traditional American (and African American) quilts, but with a geometric simplicity reminiscent of Amish quilts and modern art. The women of Gee’s Bend have passed their skills down through at least six generations and the tradition continues.

Sumter Welcome Center
Sumter County • I-20/59 E. of MS line
P.O. Box 216
Cuba, AL 36907
Phone: (205) 392-5443
Fax: (205) 392-9102
Email: sumter.center@tourism.alabama.gov

http://alabama.travel/road-trips/gees-bend-pastimes-to-patchwork-tour

http://www.ruralswalabama.org/attractions/the-gees-bend-quilt-mural-trail/

http://www.geesbendferry.com/

Be sure to check times with the Ferry Operator.

Camden Departs Gees Bend Departs
6:15AM 7:00AM
7:45AM 8:30AM
11:15AM 12:00N
2:00PM 2:45PM
4:45PM 5:30PM