By: Christina
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Most people who lived in Middle Atlantic Colonies made their living by farming. Since the soil was so fertile, they were able to have a surplus of grain and wheat. Surplus means that they had more than enough food to feed their whole family. These colonies were called the "breadbasket" colonies because they were able to produce so many grains that made up bread. In Middle Atlantic colonies, they had skilled workers and unskilled workers. Skilled workers were cobblers who repaired or made shoes, blacksmith, grist mill, sawmill, fisherman. The unskilled workers were servants and farm hands. They imported goods from England and they exported wheat, corn, rye, hemp, and flax. Those resources attracted many different immigrants from many different countries. Farmers depended on market towns to sell their surplus. They also traded livestock such as cows, pigs, and sheep. In market towns, they not only had general stores but also cobblers' shops. Nearby was the gristmill and sawmill that turned grain into flour and logs were sawed into lumber. Most people in Middle Atlantic colonies made their living by farming. |
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Regions of the Thirteen Colonies
Colonial Life In America/ Factors Leading to Colonization/ Colonial Life: Social Positions/