farm tools Archives - Appalachian History

Before modern mechanization, the size of farms across southern Appalachia was usually measured in horses. A two-horse farm was average size.

Gravely and his motor plow

Benjamin Franklin Gravely had a dream: to build a tractor which would revolutionize gardening and lawn maintenance for the homeowner.

Instead of bathing at the back porch pump of an evening, the farmer now adjourns to his porcelain bath tub.

It was actually Cyrus’ father, Robert Hall McCormick, whose genius as a simple inventor led to the family’s riches and renown.

In the era of hand-made tools, the man who custom-made his own tools could allow himself the luxury of making tools to meet his needs.