National Society Descendants of American Farmers

🌾 A Brief History of Agriculture in the United States

The story of American agriculture stretches from the earliest English settlements to the modern era, reflecting the nation’s growth, innovation, and resilience.

In Colonial America, agriculture was the primary livelihood for nearly 90% of the population. Most farms focused on subsistence production, growing enough to feed their families, with surplus occasionally traded or exported. Towns often served as shipping hubs for agricultural goods, linking local harvests to broader markets.

As the population expanded and the frontier pushed westward, land clearing became a central task for farmers. The rapid growth of new farms mirrored the country’s territorial ambitions.

By the early 1800s, cotton emerged as the dominant crop in the South, especially after the invention of the cotton gin in 1793. It quickly became the leading American export, fueling both domestic prosperity and international trade.

In New England, farming evolved after 1810 from subsistence to commercial production, supplying food and dairy to the region’s growing industrial towns. Specialty crops like tobacco and cranberries were introduced to meet export demands.

After 1840, industrialization and urbanization opened up lucrative domestic markets, transforming agriculture into a more integrated part of the national economy. The number of farms surged:

• 📈 1850: 1.4 million farms

• 📈 1880: 4.0 million farms

• 📈 1910: 6.4 million farms

However, mechanization and consolidation led to a gradual decline:

• 📉 1950: 5.6 million farms

• 📉 2008: 2.2 million farms

Today, agriculture remains a major industry, with farms operating in every U.S. state. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, there were approximately 2.04 million farms in operation. These farms range from small family-run operations to large-scale enterprises, producing everything from grains and livestock to specialty crops and renewable energy.

The Grange: A Legacy of Agricultural Advocacy and Community Empowerment

Founded in 1867, the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry—commonly known as The Grange—emerged as a transformative force for American farmers and their families. While its influence was especially strong in the Northeast and Midwest, the organization quickly grew into a nationwide movement that championed not only the modernization of farming practices, but also the strengthening of family and community life.

A promotional poster from circa 1873, titled “A Gift for the Grangers,” reflects the optimism and unity that defined the organization’s early years.

Membership surged from approximately 200,000 in 1873 to over 858,000 by 1875, as local and state Granges adopted non-partisan political resolutions—most notably advocating for regulation of railroad transportation costs, which disproportionately burdened rural producers.

The Grange was remarkably inclusive for its time, welcoming women and teenagers as full and equal members. This progressive stance helped shape its identity as a family-centered organization rooted in shared values and civic engagement.

Fueled by dues from its rapidly expanding membership, the Grange launched consumer cooperatives across the country, many of which were initially supplied by Chicago wholesaler Aaron Montgomery Ward. These co-ops aimed to reduce costs and increase access to essential goods for rural communities.

However, the explosive growth also brought challenges. Poor fiscal management and organizational strain led to a sharp decline in membership toward the end of the 19th century. By the early 1900s, the Grange had rebounded and stabilized, continuing its mission with renewed focus.

In the mid-1870s, Granges in Midwestern states successfully lobbied for state laws regulating railroad and grain warehouse rates, marking a major victory for grassroots advocacy. These efforts laid the groundwork for several landmark federal initiatives, including:

• The Cooperative Extension Service

• Rural Free Delivery of mail

• The Farm Credit System

These programs fundamentally reshaped rural life and remain vital to American agriculture today.

The Woman’s Land Army: A Patriotic Force Rooted in Resilience

During World War I, the Woman’s Land Army was formed to recruit, train, and deploy women—many from cities and non-farming backgrounds—to work on American farms. While farmers’ wives and daughters were already contributing to daily operations, the departure of male laborers to the front lines created an urgent need for additional hands in the fields.

This movement wasn’t born of novelty—it was born of necessity. With crops to plant, livestock to tend, and harvests to bring in, the Woman’s Land Army became a vital force in sustaining the nation’s food supply. These women answered a patriotic call to action, helping to feed America, support our military overseas, and aid European allies devastated by war.

The National Society Descendants of American Farmers (NSDOAF) proudly recognizes the women who left behind the comfort of city life to learn the physical and mental skills required to assist farmers. Their determination and adaptability made it possible for farmers to expand their planting efforts, confident that help would be there when harvest time came.

These women—often called farmerettes—did more than fill a labor gap. They became symbols of unity, sacrifice, and strength. Their legacy lives on in every field they tended and every community they nourished.

To learn more about the Women's Land Army CLICK HERE

Explore America’s Agricultural Story: Farm Museums Interactive Map

Yes—there is! The National Society Descendants of American Farmers (NSDOAF) is proud to offer an interactive Google map featuring farm and agricultural museums across the United States.

These museums serve as powerful educational tools, offering visitors a firsthand glimpse into the evolution of farming across different decades. From heirloom tools and vintage equipment to historical farmsteads and working exhibits, each location helps preserve the ingenuity, labor, and traditions that built America’s agricultural legacy.

Ready to explore? Visit our Farm Museums Page to view the map and start your journey through the heart of American farming history.

Preserving the Legacy: Farming History and Member Stories

The National Society Descendants of American Farmers (NSDOAF) is passionately committed to documenting the lives, labors, and legacies of our farming ancestors. Their stories are the foundation of America’s agricultural heritage—and a source of pride, wisdom, and inspiration.

We invite you to explore our Farming History and Stories page, where members share powerful accounts of perseverance, innovation, and family tradition. These personal histories offer a window into the challenges and triumphs that shaped generations of farmers across the country.

📖 Every story honors the spirit of those who cultivated the land—and the values that continue to guide us today.