Washington County, North Carolina’s, contribution to a unique quilt is ready to take its place amidst a patchwork of squares representing counties across the United State named for the country’s first President.

Plymouth quilter Jill Manring unveiled the 12-inch square last week, displaying a red, white and blue rendering of the replica Roanoke River Lighthouse that stands at the water’s edge on the west end of Water Street in Plymouth.

Manring’s work is destined to become part of a project born in Arkansas to recognize 31 Washington County designations across the US. The finished product will be on display here later in the year as part of a nationwide tour of the quilt following its assembly in Arkansas.

Not surprisingly, local historian Chris Barber, recruited a local quilter through the county’s art council after learning of the grassroots project fueled by an Arkansas man who discovered a multitude of Washington counties — including North Carolina’s — during a motor trip to the Outer Banks, then began reaching out to various counties.

Manring says she accepted the challenge without immediately realizing the gravity of the undertaking...