Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “This Land of Ours”
The Establishment of the U.S. Department of Agriculture In 1862, a pivotal year for American farming and education, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was officially established. This came 42 years after the U.S. House of Representatives created the Agriculture Committee to address the growing needs of the nation’s farmers. The U.S. Senate followed suit in 1825, forming its own …
Shorthorn Cattle and Early American Farms The Shorthorn breed holds a significant place in American agricultural history. As settlers pushed westward, Shorthorns became the most common cattle breed found on farms and ranches throughout the expanding frontier. Why Shorthorns Were a Pioneer Favorite The Shorthorn cattle were widely favored by early American farmers and ranchers for several key reasons: This …
Chickens: The Early Livestock Staple of Pioneer Farms Cattle and hogs are widely recognized today as major livestock staples on American farms and ranches. However, during the mid-1800s, it was actually chickens that held the coveted position in many pioneer households. Chickens were especially popular among settlers moving westward due to their ease of transport compared to larger livestock. Once …
The Early Midwest Homestead In the 1840s Midwest, the average family farm covered about 100 acres—large enough to support crops, livestock, and a self-sustaining lifestyle. Homes were often handmade one-room log cabins, sometimes with a loft to make space for a growing family. These early Midwest farmhouses were built from local timber, providing shelter through harsh winters and humid summers. …
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 …
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, …
