Cotton Belt

The Cotton Belt was a region in the Southern United States where cotton farming was the main economic activity between 1790 and 1860. This area was important because it fueled the American economy and was a major factor in the U.S. becoming a leading cotton producer globally. The demand for cotton led to the expansion of slavery since enslaved people were forced to work on large plantations to meet production needs. Today, the legacy of the Cotton Belt is still felt in the economic and social disparities in the South, as many communities are still influenced by their agricultural history. For example, a family living in a Southern state might notice that their local economy is tied to agriculture, influencing job opportunities and community development.