What was the primary agricultural crop grown in the Carolinas?

The primary agricultural crop grown in the Carolinas was rice, particularly in the low coastal areas where the climate and soil conditions were ideal for its cultivation. The Carolinas, especially South Carolina, developed a significant rice economy in the 18th century, benefiting from the expertise of enslaved Africans who brought knowledge of rice cultivation from West Africa. This crop was highly labor-intensive and became a staple of the regional economy, leading to the establishment of rice plantations that contributed significantly to the wealth of the Southern colonies.

While tobacco and indigo were also important crops in the region, rice was particularly central to the economy of the Carolinas, especially in areas such as the Tidewater region. Corn was a staple crop grown throughout the colonies for subsistence rather than for export, making rice the standout primary crop in terms of economic significance.