What are some historical similarities and differences concerning peach growing in Georgia and South Carolina?

Answer:  The Cherokee Indians grew peaches in this region in the mid 1700’s.  Commercial shipping (by train) out of the region began in the mid to late 1850’s. Georgia is commonly known as “The Peach State” where the peach was adopted by the state legislature as the state fruit in 1995.  South Carolina is commonly known as “The Tastier Peach State” where the peach was adopted by the state legislature as the state fruit in 1984.  Peach continues to be a vital fruit crop in the agricultural economy of both states. The primary growing regions enjoy similar soil types and climate and grow many of the same cultivars.  However, South Carolina currently produces more peaches annually than the state of Georgia.

Learn More:

• Read July 28, 2011 NY Times Front Page Story entitled "Peach Rivalry Becomes War Between the Tastes"
• Read my chapter from the 2010 book, "Barns, Barbecue and Bales of Cotton: A Rural Retrospective of South Carolina Agriculture"
• Watch the video: SC Peach History & Field Day
  

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