Early Plantations

Early plantations developed into self-sufficient communities, much like the castle and the serf system had done in Medieval Europe. Even if the plantation owner went to market occasionally, much of what they needed was produced on site, especially their basic needs. Their crops brought in revenue for other things they might want.

Leaders of the first permanent English colony in America at Jamestown discovered the Indians growing tobacco. Englishmen liked the new plant, and the Virginia colony began growing it in large quantities to export. Plantations evolved. When Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin in 1793, that crop became profitable to grow, and cotton plantations sprang up. 

Latta Plantation, a former cotton plantation, near Huntersville, North Carolina, is a good example of a self-sufficient plantation, because it's presented as a living history farm for visitors today. Tour guides have an excellent knowledge of the time period (1800), the property, and the family. Depending on the season, visitors can see the garden, farm animals, and many outbuildings. Take a photo-tour of the plantation here, and visit it, if you get a chance.

______________________________________