The United States economy prior to 1865, much like the world economy, was deeply rooted in slavery and the slave trade. The acquisition, trade, taxation, and transport of slaves, as noted by Calvin Schermerhorn, “charted the progress of. . . American capitalism.” (53) James Hammond, a planter and later senator from South Carolina built a business empire out of a several acres-large slave plantation, Silver Bluff. He acquired the land in 1831 becoming one of the wealthiest men in the nation with an estimated net worth of over $90,000. Hammond, incredibly ambitious and determined, was not discouraged by the plantation’s initial poor performance. He reported a “return on investment of less than 1 percent” in the first four years. Hammond would quickly implement several agricultural advances, such as the use of marl, a rich clay used to increase soil friability and receptive properties to animal manure of acidic soils. By 1840, Hammond would diversify his investments with the purchase of more land, and railroad and bank stock. Hammond would also implement strict policies and managerial tactics on his plantation. He aspired to create a factory-like plantation, producing several crops not commonly found in the old south, including corn. Hammond would create a self-sufficient plantation, including fodder for livestock, a ginhouse, slave cabins and a slave hospital.

“James Hammond and Plantation”

James Hammond was an incredible agricultural and business mind who blazed a trail in the old south for agricultural reform. As a planter, he would become part of the agricultural aristocracy of southern society, hosting large gatherings of the public and providing various resources for others in the region. His influence on society would eventually gain him public office as a United States Senator. Hammond also exemplified the product of an amoral, inhumane practice that has marred world history. Hammond built his empire on the backs of slaves and without slave labor his empire would not stand. The socioeconomic power and influence Hammond held over the people in the region would be nonexistent.