Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been tagged as “American agriculture history”
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 …
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 …
Hand-Harvesting Corn – A Labor-Intensive Tradition Corn has long been a cornerstone of American agriculture, but harvesting it in the early 20th century was a labor-intensive challenge. Before tractors and combines became common, farmers relied on hand labor. Worker’s hand-husked each ear of corn and loaded them into high-sided wagons, meticulously picking the fields clean. This demanding work required skill, …
Barns have long stood at the center of American agriculture, symbolizing hard work, innovation, and the enduring spirit of farm families. As settlers pushed westward across the heartland, barns became essential structures on family farms—housing livestock, protecting crops, and anchoring daily agricultural life. One barn in particular stands out for its remarkable size and historical significance: the Cooper Barn in …
Corn’s Foundational Role in American Agriculture Corn has always played a central role in American agriculture, serving as a vital crop for both human consumption and livestock feed. From early settlement through the 19th century, corn production shaped farm economies and rural livelihoods across the country. However, while growing corn was essential, processing it—particularly removing kernels from the cob—proved to …
Corn Shelling Bees: A Cornerstone of Early American Agriculture Corn has played a vital role in American agriculture since the nation’s earliest days. Long before modern machinery transformed farming, corn was processed entirely by hand, making it one of the most labor-intensive crops on early American farms. This simple grain supported not only families and livestock, but entire rural communities. …
An American Agriculture History Minute with Mark Oppold Early American farming was never just about the land—it was about the weather. In this American Agriculture History Minute, agricultural historian Mark Oppold explains how climate conditions played a defining role in determining which crops early settlers raised and how regional agriculture developed across the United States. From cooler northern climates to …
Exploring the Debate Over the Biggest Barns in the United States By Mark Oppold – American Agriculture History Minute When it comes to American agriculture, size has always mattered—and few farm structures spark more debate than barns. As Mark Oppold explains in this American Agriculture History Minute, identifying the largest barn in the United States depends on how the term …
