Before cotton, there was hemp
Hemp was first planted in Kentucky in 1775. Then in 1790, after it was advertised for the first time in local papers, the hemp industry in Kentucky flourished, making it the hemp capital for the next 100 years. In 1835, Missouri also began cultivating hemp, and by 1840, the state produced over 12,000 tons. Missouri State Guardsmen even wore mobile breastworks made of hemp, and went on to defeat the Union troops during the Civil War.
Growth continued until the 1920’s. By then 80-percent of all clothing was being made from Hemp cloth. At one point hemp was so popular that it was being grown in nearly every state, including California, Kentucky New York, Oregon, Utah, Texas, New England, Virginia, Massachusetts,
Hemp was first planted in Kentucky in 1775. Then in 1790, after it was advertised for the first time in local papers, the hemp industry in Kentucky flourished, making it the hemp capital for the next 100 years. In 1835, Missouri also began cultivating hemp, and by 1840, the state produced over 12,000 tons. Missouri State Guardsmen even wore mobile breastworks made of hemp, and went on to defeat the Union troops during the Civil War.
Growth continued until the 1920’s. By then 80-percent of all clothing was being made from Hemp cloth. At one point hemp was so popular that it was being grown in nearly every state, including California, Kentucky New York, Oregon, Utah, Texas, New England, Virginia, Massachusetts,