Inner Bluegrass Agriculture: an Agroecological Perspective, 1850-1880
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University of Kentucky UKnowledge Theses and Dissertations--History History 2012 INNER BLUEGRASS AGRICULTURE: AN AGROECOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE, 1850-1880 Andrew Parker Patrick University of Kentucky, [email protected] Right click to open a feedback form in a new tab to let us know how this document benefits ou.y Recommended Citation Patrick, Andrew Parker, "INNER BLUEGRASS AGRICULTURE: AN AGROECOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE, 1850-1880" (2012). Theses and Dissertations--History. 3. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/history_etds/3 This Master's Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the History at UKnowledge. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations--History by an authorized administrator of UKnowledge. For more information, please contact [email protected]. STUDENT AGREEMENT: I represent that my thesis or dissertation and abstract are my original work. Proper attribution has been given to all outside sources. 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REVIEW, APPROVAL AND ACCEPTANCE The document mentioned above has been reviewed and accepted by the student’s advisor, on behalf of the advisory committee, and by the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), on behalf of the program; we verify that this is the final, approved version of the student’s dissertation including all changes required by the advisory committee. The undersigned agree to abide by the statements above. Andrew Parker Patrick, Student Dr. Ronald D. Eller, Major Professor Dr. David E. Hamilton, Director of Graduate Studies INNER BLUEGRASS AGRICULTURE: AN AGROECOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE, 1850-1880 ________________________________ THESIS ________________________________ A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in History at the University of Kentucky By Andrew Parker Patrick Lexington, Kentucky Director: Dr. Ronald D. Eller, Professor of History Lexington, Kentucky 2012 Copyright © Andrew Parker Patrick 2012 ABSTRACT OF THESIS INNER BLUEGRASS AGRICULTURE: AN AGROECOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE, 1850-1880 This study examines agriculture in the Inner Bluegrass Region of Central Kentucky from 1850 to 1880. It utilizes an agroecological perspective, which interprets agriculture through the lens of ecology, to highlight the complex natural and cultural factors that combined to form one of the nation's most prosperous agricultural systems during the nineteenth century. Chapter One explores the agroecosytem Bluegrass farmers created and maintained, emphasizing dynamics in crop and livestock diversity and agricultural technology. Chapter Two examines the African-American labor force that played a key role in shaping the system, first as slaves and later as free men and women. Chapter Three addresses the cultural outlooks and institutions that influenced land use patterns, ranging from beliefs on proper methods of cultivation to voluntary organizations designed to facilitate market access. Through an examination of the various influences at work on the agricultural environment, the landscape emerges as a dynamic factor, rather than a passive backdrop, in Inner Bluegrass history. KEYWORDS: Kentucky Agriculture, Agricultural Organizations, African American Labor, Agroecosystem, Bluegrass History Andrew Parker Patrick . April 29, 2012 . INNER BLUEGRASS AGRICULTURE: AN AGROECOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE, 1850-1880 By Andrew Parker Patrick Dr. Ronald D. Eller . Dr. David E. Hamilton . May 29, 2012 . ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This study would not have been possible without the support and guidance I received from a wide range of sources. Thesis committee members Gerald L. Smith and Tracey Campbell provided insightful comments and useful prodding along the way and each deserves more thanks than I can express here. Committee chairman Dr. Ronald D. Eller was a particular source of encouragement and I was honored that he would take me on as one of his final students. I would also like to acknowledge the continued support I have received from my family and friends. Thanks to my parents who have been my primary benefactors for as long as I can remember. Thanks to the friends who read drafts and provided positive feedback. Finally, I would like to extend a special thanks to my wife for her long- suffering patience and editorial skill. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................ iii List of Figures ......................................................................................................................v Chapter One: Introduction ...................................................................................................1 Chapter Two: Structure of the Inner Bluegrass Agroecosystem .........................................6 Crops ....................................................................................................................................9 Pasture ................................................................................................................................23 Livestock ............................................................................................................................26 Policing the Agroecosystem ..............................................................................................37 Chapter Three: African American Labor in the Inner Bluegrass .......................................43 Antebellum System ............................................................................................................44 Civil War Upheaval ...........................................................................................................60 Postbellum System .............................................................................................................63 Chapter Four: The Georgic Ethic, Voluntary Organizations and Inner Bluegrass Agriculture .........................................................................................................................83 Georgic Ethic & Improvement ...........................................................................................84 Agricultural Markets ..........................................................................................................89 Associations of Stockmen ..................................................................................................89 Kentucky Hemp Producers Association ............................................................................95 County Agricultural Societies ............................................................................................98 Colored Agricultural Society ...........................................................................................103 Horse Industry ..................................................................................................................103 Chapter Five: Conclusion ................................................................................................112 Appendices .......................................................................................................................116 Appendix A: Bourbon County Racial Breakdown ..........................................................116 Appendix B: 1850 Slave Statistics ...................................................................................116 Appendix C: 1860 Slave Statistics ...................................................................................117 Appendix D: Free Blacks .................................................................................................117 Appendix E: 1870 Statistics .............................................................................................118 Appendix F: 1870 Occupations .......................................................................................119 Appendix G: Bourbon County Agriculture......................................................................119 Bibliography ....................................................................................................................120 Vita ...................................................................................................................................127 iv LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Bourbon County Crop Diversity ..........................................................................9 Figure 2: Inner Bluegrass Corn ..........................................................................................11 Figure 3: Bourbon County Corn ........................................................................................11 Figure 4: Inner Bluegrass Wheat .......................................................................................13