Consequently, the productivity of mountain farms declined as erosion and soil exhaustion grew worse with the rapid efforts to clear trees and redevelop the land in order to lay train tracks, build roads, and deliver other infrastructure required for resource extraction (Image 3). As a result, tenancy and part-time farming combined with wage labor became prevalent.
Additional factors further undermined the agrarian sector. As markets shrank and land became further commoditized, farmers’ incomes and livelihoods were jeopardized. Intensification of the sector also necessitated the use of chemical fertilizers. Though these chemicals allowed for more efficient use of what was becoming smaller land parcels, they also served in part to disenfranchise those who relied upon what had at one time been a labor-intensive economic sector. Moreover, the extraction of the lime and other materials used to produce them was a dangerous and protracted process (Images 3,4). |
Alternatively, 42% of all men and 12% of women in Virginia in 1920 worked in agriculture or a related area. The percentage was even higher prior to the turn of the century. But the post-Civil War era ushered in a period of economic restructuring that served to disempower and disenfranchise many farming families throughout the Appalachian region, including Wythe County. In effect, rapid changes outside of the region’s control undermined what had once been a robust and functioning agrarian-based local economy (see Image 2). A more extraction-oriented economy evolved in its stead, based most especially upon mining. Meantime demand for locally produced agrarian goods and services weakened as resources from outside the region were increasingly substituted for those produced within the region.
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Visit
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Museum Hours
Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm If you would like to schedule a pre-arranged tour, please email or call at least one week prior to your date to visit. Email: [email protected] Call: (276) 223-3484 |
Location
145 E. Main St., Wytheville, VA 24382 The museum is located in the heart of historic downtown Wytheville. |
Admission
There is no admission fee for individuals to visit the museum or tour the birthplace home; however, donations are greatly appreciated! Groups of 10 or more, please call ahead for information and arrangements. |
CONTACT |