Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “American Agriculture History Minute”
A Landmark in Westward Expansion: 1788 and the Northwest Territory In the annals of American history, 1788 marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s westward expansion. As settlers moved beyond the Appalachian Mountains, they laid the groundwork for a new chapter in America’s agricultural and territorial development. One key milestone was the establishment of Marietta, Ohio — the first permanent …
The First Push Westward Following the end of the Revolutionary War, the United States entered a new chapter of expansion and exploration. The first major wave of westward migration began in states like Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina, where settlers began making their way beyond the Appalachian Mountains. These brave pioneers sought new opportunities in the wilderness, but they also …
Robert McCormick was a successful farmer in Virginia who owned a substantial 532-acre estate. This farm was nearly self-sufficient, a testament to the resourcefulness and hard work of the McCormick family. Notably, the estate included its own gristmill, which was used to grind grain into flour, providing an essential staple for the farm and its surrounding community. The McCormick farm …
The Reluctant Start of a Farming Innovation In the annals of American agriculture, few figures loom as large as Cyrus McCormick. His journey from invention to industrial impact is a classic tale of perseverance in the face of skepticism. In 1831, McCormick successfully demonstrated the world’s first mechanical reaper—an invention poised to transform farming. But while the machine showed immense …
We take a quick look back at the roots of American agriculture and food preservation during the earliest days of westward expansion. The first major movement west of the Appalachians began in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina, just as soon as the Revolutionary War was over. These early pioneers were among the first to push beyond the eastern seaboard, settling …
Honoring Agricultural Heritage Across the Early U.S. In the years following the American Revolutionary War, as the United States emerged as a new nation, it also became a cultural mosaic of immigrant groups. Despite the diversity, farming communities across the country gradually began to reflect distinct ethnic heritages. These roots shaped the social fabric of American agriculture and remain visible …
A Persistent Pest Problem in the Mid-20th Century In the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s, cattle producers across the southern United States faced a major challenge: the Gulf Coast tick. These pests would burrow into the ears of cattle, causing painful open wounds. Unfortunately, the problem didn’t stop there. These wounds attracted additional threats, most notably the screw worm, …
A Revolutionary Incentive: Land Grants in 1776 In the earliest days of the American Republic, before military pensions or cash enlistment bonuses existed, a unique form of compensation helped build the foundation of both national defense and American agriculture. During the Revolutionary War, General George Washington faced the daunting task of recruiting and retaining soldiers to fight against the British. …
Honoring Unsung Contributors to Agricultural Life In the rich history of agricultural innovation, names like Cyrus McCormick (mechanical reaper), John Deere (steel plow), and Eli Whitney (cotton gin) are firmly etched into the collective memory. These inventors transformed the landscape of American farming with their groundbreaking contributions. But another lesser-known innovator also played a role in improving rural life—especially for …
The Roots of Irrigation In today’s American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold sheds light on the long and fascinating history of irrigating cropland. While modern systems are sophisticated and efficient, the practice of irrigation dates back thousands of years. Ancient farmers in Asia and Africa were among the first to manipulate water for agriculture, devising rudimentary yet effective techniques to …
