Existing comment:
1607-1765
Making Do in Colonial America:
The first settlers in English North America found vast and valuable forests, but not enough precious metal to make their own coins. For people accustomed to an economy based on coins, this was a serious predicament. How did they survive?
Back to Basics:
Colonists survived by bartering and by adopting local money like wampum shells and nails. Tobacco, a cash crop, served as money when shipped to England in exchange for goods. |