Native American Teach European To Grow Corn
When the Europeans arrived in America, they were not familiar with the crops that could be grown in the new lands. The Native American tribes living in North and Central America had been farming for thousands of years and were experts in agriculture. One of the most significant contributions they made was to teach the Europeans to grow corn. Corn has since become an essential crop worldwide, but it was not originally grown in Europe.
The Original Way of Growing Corn
The Native Americans started growing corn around 7000 BC. Before the Europeans arrived, the Native Americans had perfected their corn cultivation techniques. Their traditional way of growing corn was called the Three Sisters method. They planted corn, beans, and squash together in mounds. The cornstalks provided support for the beans, and the beans provided nitrogen to the soil that the corn needed. The squash was planted between the mounds to help control weeds and prevent soil erosion.
The Arrival of the Europeans
When the Europeans arrived in America, they were surprised to see the Native Americans cultivating a crop they had never seen before. At that time, the Europeans were not familiar with the process of growing corn. They had to learn from the Native Americans how to grow it and use it as a food source. The Europeans were struggling to grow wheat and barley, which were typical crops in Europe. The cold climate and rocky soil in the New World did not allow these crops to grow well.
The Role of Squanto
Squanto, a Native American who spoke English, played a crucial role in teaching the Europeans how to cultivate corn. Squanto was a member of the Patuxet tribe, which lived in the area that is now Plymouth, Massachusetts. He had been captured and sold as a slave in Spain and later returned to America where he learned English. Squanto worked as an interpreter between the Pilgrims and his tribe, and he taught them how to plant corn using the Native American techniques.
The Importance of Corn
Corn is now one of the most widely grown crops worldwide, and it is used for a variety of purposes, including as a food source, animal feed, and fuel. The Native Americans used corn to make a variety of dishes, including cornbread, hominy, and tortillas. Europeans initially used corn as animal feed, but it later became an essential food source for them as well.
Conclusion
The Native Americans' agricultural expertise helped the Europeans survive in the new world. The Three Sisters method of planting corn, beans, and squash together in mounds proved to be an efficient and sustainable way of farming. Squanto's role in teaching the Europeans how to cultivate corn was crucial. The Europeans' adaptation of the Native American techniques and their integration of corn into their diet was a remarkable example of the cultural exchange between the Native Americans and Europeans.
