Longview in Gregg County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
From Subsistence to Cash Crops
1870
Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 17, 2015
1. From Subsistence to Cash Crops Marker
The early settlers farmed only to meet their family needs. Any produce left over was used to pay the doctor, the blacksmith or barter for the necessities of life.
Corn was indispensable, meeting a multitude of needs for both family and livestock. In addition to corn, a wide variety of staple crops were grown.
With commercial markets opened by the expansion of the railroad, farmers converted their acreage from numerous small crops into larger commercial "cash" crops. Ready cash enabled them to purchase goods and services to meet the family needs.
Cotton was the primary cash crop. Farmers also produced fruits, nuts and sweet potatoes–a particularly important crop since farmers were able to store the harvest for up to six months in local "potato houses", enabling them to sell when prices were at their peak.
Erected 1990 by the City of Longview Commission on Arts & Culture.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 32° 29.677′ N, 94° 44.275′ W. Marker is in Longview, Texas, in Gregg County. Marker is on East Tyler Street, 0.1 miles west of North Green Street
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dalton Gang's Last Raid (within shouting distance of this marker); Everett Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of James S. Hogg Newspaper (about 300 feet away); Banking — The Final Ingredient (about 300 feet away); Then Came the Railroad (about 300 feet away); First Came the Railroad (about 500 feet away); A New County is Born (about 500 feet away); The Railroad Transforms a Pioneer Community (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Longview.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 17, 2015
2. Old photo from marker.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 17, 2015
3. View of marker on wall of Fine Arts Museum.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 17, 2015
4. View of marker looking east on Tyler Avenue.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 26, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 357 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 26, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
