Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “This Land of Ours”
How Minnesota Found Its Perfect Wheat Early Challenges for Minnesota Settlers When early settlers arrived in Minnesota, they quickly realized that wheat varieties successful in Nebraska and Kansas failed in the northern climate. The region’s colder temperatures, shorter growing season, and unique soil conditions required experimentation and adaptability from farmers striving to establish sustainable crops. Discovering Spring Wheat After much …
The National Road: America’s First Gateway Across the Appalachians Connecting East and West When most people think of iconic American highways, Route 66 often comes to mind. But nearly a century before that famous road, another monumental project changed the nation: the National Road. Constructed in 1810, it was the first gravel-paved highway to cross the Appalachian Mountains, linking Ohio …
Settling Ohio After the Appalachian Crossing Once early American settlers crossed the Appalachian Mountains, many chose to stop rather than continue westward. After enduring difficult and often dangerous travel, these settlers found what is now eastern and central Ohio to be an ideal place to establish permanent communities. Fertile land and favorable growing conditions made the region especially attractive to …
The Ohio and Erie Canal: A Turning Point in Ohio’s History In the early 19th century, Ohio leaders recognized the need for better transportation to support agriculture, commerce, and settlement. One of the most ambitious projects of the era was the Ohio and Erie Canal, a waterway designed to connect Lake Erie with the Ohio River and open new economic …
Ohio’s Early Role in American Agriculture In the early 1800s, Ohio was widely considered the agricultural capital of the United States. As westward expansion pushed settlers beyond the Appalachian Mountains, the fertile plains of Ohio quickly became a destination of choice. Despite the difficulty of the journey, many settlers were drawn to the region’s productive land, which offered strong opportunities …
Early Life in Massachusetts John Chapman, famously known as Johnny Appleseed, holds a lasting place in American agricultural history. Born in September 1774 in Massachusetts, Chapman grew up in a bustling household with 11 younger siblings. From an early age, he developed a passion for horticulture. At the age of 13, with the guidance and support of his father, Chapman …
Colonists and the Transformation of Early American Agriculture The arrival of European colonists in North America brought more than settlers—it introduced new agricultural practices that reshaped the land. While colonists had greater access to land in the United States than in Europe, this opportunity came with complex environmental challenges. European Practices Reshape the Landscape European settlers aimed to replicate the …
New Mexico’s Agricultural Significance When most people think of top agricultural states in the U.S., New Mexico might not immediately come to mind. Yet, this southwestern state plays a vital role in the nation’s farming landscape. One of its standout contributions is pecan production, where New Mexico frequently ranks among the largest producers in the country, competing with traditional leaders …
In the early days of American colonization, settlers faced steep learning curves when it came to managing the land. Soil stewardship was not yet a science, and many early practices unintentionally harmed the environment. How Livestock Practices Contributed to Land Degradation Colonial farmers frequently cleared forests to make room for crops and grazing. Livestock such as cattle roamed freely, trampling …
Barns have long been a symbol of America’s agricultural heritage. They vary widely in size, shape, and purpose, yet many still stand as enduring reminders of the nation’s farming past. From working barns that once stored crops and housed livestock to architectural marvels built for display, barns tell the story of American agriculture in both function and form. The Cooper …
