What type of farms were typical of North Carolina during its early development?

During its early development, North Carolina was characterized by small self-sufficient tobacco farms. This agricultural structure reflects the state's economic and social conditions in the 17th and early 18th centuries. The geography and climate of North Carolina were well-suited for the cultivation of tobacco, which became a significant cash crop.

Unlike the large plantations seen in Virginia or South Carolina, which relied heavily on enslaved labor and produced tobacco or rice on a grand scale, North Carolina's farmers typically operated on a smaller scale. These small farms were often family-owned and focused on subsistence as well as cash crops. The self-sufficient nature of these farms allowed families to sustain themselves while also participating in the emerging market economy through the sale of tobacco and other crops. This structure contributed to a distinct social order in North Carolina compared to other colonies that developed more plantation-focused economies.