USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Historians often credit Eliza Lucas Pinckney (1722-1793) with the development of the successful indigo industry in the mid-1700s in South Carolina. Her unique situation as the manager of her father’s lands helped carve her name into the history of South Carolina.

Detailed explanation-2: -Eliza used her 1744 crop to make seed and shared it with other planters, leading to an expansion in indigo production. She proved that colonial planters could make a profit in an extremely competitive market.

Detailed explanation-3: -But then, England found itself at war with France and could no longer import indigo from the French West Indies. So it needed a new source, preferably within the British Empire. Eliza decided to give it a try. Indigo was a tropical plant.

Detailed explanation-4: -Elizabeth “Eliza” Lucas Pinckney (December 28, 1722 – May 27, 1793) transformed agriculture in colonial South Carolina, where she developed indigo as one of its most important cash crops.

Detailed explanation-5: -Eliza was also known to George Washington. The two met at Hampton Plantation during his 1791 visit to South Carolina.