Farmers In Colonial and Early America
The United States’ origins were dependent on farming. On May 13, 1607, 105 men led by Captain John Smith land at Jamestown, Virginia, with their London Company charter ordering them to accomplish Early American Farmers: Life, Land, and the Crops That Shaped a Nation
By Road to the Civil War
Original photos and maps included throughout.
Introduction
What was it really like to live and work as a farmer in early America? While cities like New York and Philadelphia bustled along the Atlantic coast, the vast majority of Americans—over 90%—lived on farms, carving out a living from the land. In this lesson, we’ll explore the daily realities of colonial farm life, the rise of tobacco as a cash crop, and what the average colonist ate. We’ll also share original photos and maps to help you visualize this fascinating era.
Jamestown and the Birth of Tobacco
In 1607, 105 men led by Captain John Smith landed at Jamestown, Virginia. Their mission: find precious metals, establish a Protestant presence, and expand English naval power. But the colony nearly failed—malaria struck, and by June 1610, only 38 survivors remained. A twist of fate brought new settlers and, crucially, a new crop: tobacco.
Watch: John Rolfe Brings Tobacco to Virginia
John Rolfe’s successful cultivation of tobacco transformed Jamestown’s fortunes and made the crop an overnight sensation in Britain. This “golden leaf” sparked the rise of other southern colonies, like Carolina and Maryland, and shaped the economy and society of the American South for generations.
The Yeoman Farmer: Backbone of Early America
Where People Live In 1790
| Location | Percent |
| Rural/farms | 93% |
| Urban/cities | 7 |
93% of Americans lived on farms. Most were “yeoman farmers,” working about 50 acres—enough to feed their families and have a little left over to sell or trade. Only about 7% lived in cities, and urban life was often associated with poverty and hardship.
How big is an acre?
An acre is rougly 75% of an American Football Field. Here is a comparison of an American Football Field to the size of a typical farm in the Colonial Era.
Farmers were self-reliant:
- They built and heated their own homes, often from wood they cut themselves.
- They grew, hunted, or raised their own food.
- Many spun their own cloth, sewed their own clothes, and made their own shoes and candles.
Fun Fact: In the 1790s, the average farm laborer earned about $65 a year—roughly 20 cents a day!
The Southern Plantation System and Slavery
Colonists were small farmers, the South saw the rise of large plantations, especially as tobacco, rice, and indigo became profitable cash crops. These plantations depended on the labor of enslaved Africans, whose forced work created immense wealth for their owners.
How the Enslaved Impacted The Value Of Small Southern Farms
| Location | Own Enslaved | Value Then | Value in 2010 $ |
| South | No | $2,362 | $ 58,000 |
| South | Yes | 9,634 | 237,000 |
The economic incentive to own slaves was clear, and by 1775, the Southern economy was deeply bound to this “peculiar institution.”
What Did Colonial Farmers Eat?
Farmers’ diet revolved around the rhythms of farm work and food production. Most food was grown, raised, or hunted locally. Cooking was done on open hearths, and preserving food—by smoking, salting, drying, or pickling—was essential.
Watch: What the Average Colonist Ate in a Day
Typical colonial diets included:
- Staples: Corn, beans, squash, bread, porridge, stews
- Proteins: Pork, chicken, wild game, fish
- Preserved foods: Smoked meats, pickled vegetables
Activity Idea: Try creating a sample menu for a day in the life of a colonial farm family!
Homes and Living Conditions
- Enslaved people: Cramped, run-down wooden shacks designed to strip away dignity
- Poor whites: Simple “wattle and daub” shelters—wooden frames filled with mud, sod, or clay
- Wealthier settlers: Larger wooden homes, sometimes brick, with multiple rooms and fireplaces
- Elite planters: Grand mansions, like Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, with advanced features for the time
Water came from wells, toilets were outhouses, and only the very wealthy enjoyed brick construction or luxury amenities.
City Life vs. Farm Life
Only 7% of Americans lived in cities. Urban housing was cramped and unsanitary, with entire families packed into small apartments. For many, the farm promised independence, space, and a chance to own land—a dream made possible by government policies like the Land Act of 1820.
The Changing Landscape
By 1840, America was beginning to change. One in five New Englanders lived in cities, and the number would keep rising. Still, for most Americans, the dream was to save enough to buy their own 40–80 acre farm and build a life on the land.
Conclusion
Early American farmers were resourceful, hardworking, and central to the nation’s growth. Their daily lives—shaped by the land, the crops they grew, and the food they ate—laid the foundation for modern America. As you look at our original photos and maps, imagine the grit and determination it took to carve out a life in early America.
Explore More
Interactive Map: Colonial Farms and Plantations
John Rolfe Brings Tobacco to Virginia (Video)