Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “This Land of Ours”
Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island Each September, Grand Island, Nebraska, becomes the center of attention in the farming world as it hosts Husker Harvest Days. Known as one of the largest farm shows in the United States, the event draws farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and agricultural innovators from across the country. But the city’s role in agriculture extends far beyond …
The First Crops in Plymouth Colony When the first settlers arrived in Plymouth, they planted barley and peas brought from England. But their most important crop soon became Indian corn, or maize. Corn was not only more adaptable to New England’s soil and climate but also provided a dependable food source critical for survival. Native Farming Techniques and Fertilization The …
Introduction The Ohio River has played a crucial role in shaping American agriculture and commerce. Stretching nearly a thousand miles, this historic waterway has been central to trade, transportation, and irrigation, supporting communities and farmers along its banks for generations. Geography and Significance Flowing 981 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the confluence with the Mississippi River near Cairo, Illinois, the …
A Remarkable Discovery in Iowa Agriculture In March 2017, history surfaced in an Iowa farm field when farmer Robert Ellis made an extraordinary discovery. While plowing near the Missouri River, Ellis’s equipment unearthed a buried cache of over 2,000 silver coins dating back to the 1850s. The find was not only a surprise to Ellis but also a rare glimpse …
A Defining Route in Agricultural History The Oregon Trail remains one of the most significant routes in American history, playing a vital role in the nation’s agricultural development. Stretching 2,170 miles, the trail connected Missouri to Oregon, serving as a lifeline for thousands of pioneers in the 19th century. Crossing the Heart of the Nation The eastern portion of the …
A Vital Waterway in the Heart of the Midwest The Illinois River has long been an essential part of America’s agricultural history. Stretching 273 miles, the river begins at the confluence of the Des Plaines and Kankakee Rivers in the Chicago metropolitan area. From there, it flows southwest across the state of Illinois, eventually joining the mighty Mississippi River near …
A Vital Waterway in American Agriculture The Colorado River, stretching an impressive 1,450 miles, stands as the fifth-longest river in the United States. Its name, Colorado, comes from the Spanish word for “colored reddish,” a reference to the river’s heavy silt load that once gave it a distinctive hue. Originating in the central Rocky Mountains, this river plays a critical …
Introduction to Franklin King Franklin King is a significant yet often overlooked figure in American agricultural history. Born in 1848 in Whitewater, Wisconsin, King made lasting contributions to the field as an agricultural scientist, shaping practices that continue to influence farming today. Academic Career and Contributions From 1888 to 1902, Franklin King served as a professor of agricultural physics at …
Revolutionizing Grain Storage The 19th century was a period of rapid innovation in American agriculture, with one of the most transformative developments being the conveyor-type grain elevator. These mechanical marvels not only increased efficiency but also reshaped trade routes and commercial hubs across the nation. Buffalo, New York: A Strategic Hub Conveyor-type grain elevators can be traced back to Buffalo, …
A Little-Known Agricultural Innovator In the story of American agriculture, many names stand out, but others remain lesser known despite their lasting impact. One such figure is Jean Étienne de Boré, born in 1741 in a small village along the Mississippi River in Illinois. Though his early life began in the Midwest, it was in Louisiana where his contributions would …
