History of Ohio
Cotton
Historically Ohio was one of many states that produced cotton. Being a labor intensive crop at that point in time placed Ohio, a non-slave state, in a non competitive position. A host of factors more than likely led to the demise of this essential agricultural product. Major population expansion to the north into Cleveland, Detroit and Chicago placed a priority on wheat, oats and corn to support demand for poultry, pork, beef and dairy products. Environmental factors such as lower atmospheric levels of CO2 and summer temperatures limited yield and contributed to the abandonment of cotton as an Ohio crop.
This investigation is long overdue since Ohio cotton was once sold in Paris during the late 18th century and last produced in 1840.
Historically Ohio was one of many states that produced cotton. Being a labor intensive crop at that point in time placed Ohio, a non-slave state, in a non competitive position. A host of factors more than likely led to the demise of this essential agricultural product. Major population expansion to the north into Cleveland, Detroit and Chicago placed a priority on wheat, oats and corn to support demand for poultry, pork, beef and dairy products. Environmental factors such as lower atmospheric levels of CO2 and summer temperatures limited yield and contributed to the abandonment of cotton as an Ohio crop.
This investigation is long overdue since Ohio cotton was once sold in Paris during the late 18th century and last produced in 1840.