What farm implements were used in the colonies?

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Farming was one of the main occupations in America's 13 colonies. Depending on the region, farming could be for profit or to feed the family. Colonists planted corn, wheat, rice, indigo and tobacco to export to the other colonies and England.

Time Frame

The colonial era in the United States began in 1607, with the founding of Jamestown in Virginia, and continued until 1776, with the start of the American Revolutionary War.

The 13 Colonies

The 13 colonies were the New England Colonies (Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts), the Middle Colonies (Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware) and the Southern Colonies (Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia). Some form of farming was taking place in all the colonies.

Types

Farm tools were made by hand or by the local blacksmith. The tools they used were the harrow, scythe, sickle, plow, pitchfork, rake, flail, hoe, spade, mattock and baskets.

Function

Tools were used for breaking the soil, thrashing, winnowing, cutting grasses and grains, digging, and working in the garden.

Problems

Most farming implements were made of wood, which meant they were easily broken and needed repair or were replaced.

Source:

Colonial Williamsburg: Middling Planters Took Hard Road to Wealth

"Colonial Life in America'" World Book, Vol. 4.; World Book, Inc.; 2004

"Colonial Life in America;" Encyclopedia Americana, Vol. 7; 2001

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What farm implements were used in the colonies?

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