Courtesy of Library of Congress, Thomas, Giles S., Prairie Settlement: Nebraska Photographs and Family Letters, 23 July 1876
Description
The letter is from Giles S. Thomas to the Thomas family on July 23, 1876. Giles Thomas describes the condition of a large number of different crops he is growing on his farm in Nebraska. He also discusses the condition of several different types of livestock.
Full Transcript of Giles S. Thomas' Letter to His Family
Transcribed Excerpts from Giles S. Thomas' Letter to His Family
Source-Dependent Questions
- Using the letter, make a list of all the crops and animals grown and raised on the Thomas farm.
- Do typical large-scale farms have this many different varieties of crops and livestock being grown today? Why or why not?
- Thinking about modern advancements in transportation technology, why do you think this farm in Nebraska in 1876 grows so many different varieties of crops?
- Why might modern farms specialize in only one or two types of crops and livestock today, instead of having a larger variety?
Citation Information
Thomas, Giles S., Prairie Settlement: Nebraska Photographs and Family Letters, 23 July 1876. Courtesy of Library of Congress