The continuities between colonial legends and the industry and agriculture in 1860 can be attributed to several factors:
1. Historical Legacy: Many of the early American colonies were established with specific economic objectives, such as cash crop cultivation (e.g., tobacco in Virginia). These economic activities laid the foundation for later agricultural practices and influenced the choice of crops grown in 1860.
2. Geographic Factors: The geographical characteristics of certain regions made them particularly suitable for specific types of agriculture. For example, the fertile soil of the Midwest encouraged the cultivation of grains like wheat and corn, which persisted as major crops in 1860.
3. Technology and Techniques: Agricultural methods and techniques developed during colonial times were often passed down through generations. These traditional methods contributed to the continuity of certain agricultural practices.
4. Economic Interests: Economic interests and market demands played a significant role. For instance, the profitability of cotton led to the expansion of cotton plantations in the Southern United States, creating a direct link between colonial-era crops and 1860 agriculture.
5. Labor Systems: The use of enslaved labor in colonial agriculture, especially in the South, had lasting impacts on the agricultural practices and production systems of the region in 1860.
6. Transportation Infrastructure: The development of transportation infrastructure, such as canals and railways, facilitated the movement of agricultural products from the colonies to markets in 1860, influencing the choice of crops and their distribution.
7. Cultural and Social Factors: Cultural preferences and social traditions also contributed to the continuities. For example, regional cuisines and food preferences often centered around crops that had historical significance in those areas.
8. Government Policies: Government policies, such as land grants and subsidies, influenced the agricultural landscape in 1860 by encouraging the cultivation of specific crops or the expansion of particular industries.
These factors, among others, help explain the continuities between colonial-era practices and the state of industry and agriculture in 1860 in the United States.