PLYMOUTH — Washington County, North Carolina is one of 30 other Washington counties across the country, and one Washington Parrish, named in honor of George Washington. These Washingtons formed “Washingtons Unite,” a group that has found a way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation in its own unique way by creating a quilt made from squares which represent each participating Washington.
A few years before the quilt project was developed, Tim Reavis of Washington County, Arkansas, visited North Carolina’s Outer Banks for a family summer vacation. Driving across country, Tim passed through or by several Washington counties. Inspired, he decided to find a way to bring all these counties together. He later contacted leaders in each one and found people willing to join the project.
Tim organized Zoom meetings which began during the summer of 2025. Through discussions at several sessions, the group settled on the quilt project as a symbolic way to demonstrate our connections to each other.
Quilts are an art form, a craft, and in many ways, part of family heritage and legacy. For those who have heirloom quilts, they see family love and are reminded of their roots. The Washingtons Unite quilt reminds us of our connections through history.
By early spring, the squares arrived in Arkansas where a group organized them and created a quilt that is 96 inches wide and 112 inches long. Jill Manring created the Washington County, NC, square which depicts the Roanoke River Lighthouse.
The finished masterpiece is currently traveling across the country and being displayed in participating counties. Most recently, it was displayed at New York’s State Fair which is in Washington County, New York. Well over 130,000 people visited the fair and had their chance to see the quilt and perhaps imagine the stories behind the squares.
The quilt will be on exhibit in Plymouth, North Carolina at the Roanoke River Lighthouse and Maritime Museum on West Water Street from September 9 through 12. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.. On Sunday, September 13, there will be a special reception at 3 p.m.
The prospect of having this carefully crafted fabric art in Plymouth inspired the county’s 250 Committee to do more. They invited people who have quilts made in the county to be part of the exhibit. Visitors can expect to see examples from the 20th and 21st centuries from Plymouth, Roper, Creswell, Lees Mill, Skinnersville, and from communities and neighborhoods scattered across the county from Long Ridge, Long Acre, Pleasant Grove, Mackeys, Pea Ridge, Cherry, to Mt. Tabor County 4H Extension Agent, Sonona Jefferson, has led a quilt project for youth. They have become part of the bigger Washingtons Unite family. Their quilt top will be part of the exhibit.
The public is invited to visit whenever the exhibit is open, and be part of this unique celebration. A visit can be a great outing for clubs, choirs, sororities, organizational groups, home schoolers and public-school children and families.
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