Tobacco Barn ca.1790
This barn was once a place to hang and dry harvested tobacco plants. Tobacco was the primary cash crop in early Virginia. Many large landholders, including the Michies, grew tobacco as their principal money-making crop.
However, in time, these same planters cursed tobacco for depleting the soil. Furthermore, as the 19th century approached, tobacco became less profitable. Farmers switched to wheat, corn and other “small grains” which allowed the Old Dominion to be more self sufficient.
This barn was relocated to Michie Tavern in 1992. In the near future this structure will restored much like the The Clothier and Metal Smith Shop.
Marker can be reached from the intersection of Thomas Jefferson Parkway (Virginia Route 53) and Mitchie Tavern Lane (County Road 1102), on the right when traveling east.
Courtesy hmdb.org
