Life Beyond the Mississippi As settlers moved west across the Mississippi River in the 19th century, they carried with them not only their hopes for a new beginning but also the foundation of American agriculture. This westward migration marked a period of great expansion, where families carved out farms from untamed land and built livelihoods centered on self-reliance and hard …
Plymouth Colony Crops: Corn, Tobacco, and Early Trade
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 …


