A Journey Through History
This year, we had the honor and pleasure of taking a behind-the-scenes look at the archives of Colonial Williamsburg — one of the most authentic living museums in America. As we prepare to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, Williamsburg invited us to collaborate on an exclusive collection that reflects the craftsmanship, beauty, and spirit of early America.
Our first visit in January 2025, dusted in snow, was nothing short of magical. We explored the textile archives, print archives, and rare book collections, and toured homes currently being restored by the Foundation. A private walk through the Governor’s Palace and its gardens gave us an intimate glimpse into the elegance and ingenuity of colonial life.
Meeting the Makers of History
My favorite part of the visit was meeting the talented craftspeople who keep 18th-century trades alive. We spent hours with Farmer Ed, who shared the history of early cotton farming in the colonies, and Weaver Joe, who generously shared stories about the role of textiles during the American Revolution.
As Joe explained, the birth of our nation was also the birth of a new spirit of independence in industry. When Britain — with its mighty naval fleet — blockaded colonial trade, early Americans were forced to create their own materials, tools, and fabrics. It was innovation born from necessity.
That story felt deeply familiar to us at Red Land Cotton.
An Heirloom Reimagined
Among the treasures in Williamsburg’s archives, one piece stopped us in our tracks — a woven white cotton coverlet, hand-crafted in 1819 by Mrs. George Lunsford of Kentucky. The record notes:
“My grandmother Lunsford was born August 31, 1799, and she raised the cotton and carded it and spun it into thread that made that counterpane in 1819. At that time, she would be 20 years old.”
Working in partnership with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and our weaving partners in Maine, we re-created this remarkable textile for our new collection.
It’s hard to imagine the labor, grit, and patience it took for a young woman to raise cotton, spin it, weave it, and craft something so beautiful by hand. Two centuries later, that same spirit continues — we’ve spun our cotton from our North Alabama family farm into this design, proudly woven and sewn entirely in the USA.
We hope Mrs. Lunsford would be proud.
The Optics of Independence
Weaver Joe also shared a story about George Washington’s inauguration that we’ll never forget. According to Williamsburg historians, Washington owned two suits: one imported and one made by American hands — and yes, the American one was pink.
Whether apocryphal or not, the symbolism rings true. Washington understood the power of optics and the importance of supporting emerging American industries. Even then, “Made in America” mattered.
Today, we find ourselves in a similar moment. Global supply chains are uncertain, and Americans are once again turning inward — toward local makers, family farms, and domestic manufacturing. We’re rediscovering the pride and possibility of self-reliance.
That’s the heart of this collaboration: a shared belief that independence and craftsmanship go hand-in-hand.
History Woven Anew
Our Williamsburg × Red Land Cotton Collection draws inspiration from 18th- and 19th-century textiles, gardens, and architectural motifs. Each piece celebrates the art of early American textiles, updated for today’s homes.
Collection Preview:
• The Governor's Coverlet — recreated from the 1819 original
• The Archival Vine Sheets & Duvet Cover — inspired by palace gardens and etchings from rare books found in the Colonial Williamsburg archives
• The Tavern Gingham Blanket in Mocha — a nod to the timeless gingham print found throughout Colonial Williamsburg
Why It Matters
At Red Land Cotton, we’re on a mission to revitalize American textile manufacturing — just as the founding generation once built it from scratch. Our work mirrors theirs: a blend of ingenuity, persistence, and pride in what we can make right here at home.
History teaches us resilience. It reminds us that craftsmanship and creativity thrive even in challenging times. This collaboration isn’t just about the past — it’s about building a future rooted in the same values that formed a nation.
Launch Details
The Williamsburg × Red Land Cotton Collection launches December 3, 2025
→ Available exclusively at Red Land Cotton and Colonial Williamsburg
→ Limited edition — crafted in the USA from Alabama-grown cotton
Closing Thought
We can learn so much from the past. We can find lessons, inspiration, and even echoes of our own stories in the threads of history. That’s what we discovered in Colonial Williamsburg — and what we’ve woven into this one-of-a-kind collection.
From our family farm to your home — may these pieces remind you that independence, craftsmanship, and beauty never go out of style.