In fact, up to 1810 or 1820 it seemed that the logical development of one or two of the South Atlantic States would be into frugal manufacturing commonwealths.

Few of the thousands of small shops developed into real manufacturing establishments, however, though many continued to exist.

The belief in the profits apparently to be made from the cultivation of cotton and tobacco changed the ideals of the people.

To own a plantation on which he might lead a patriarchal existence became the ambition of the successful man.

Even the lawyer, the doctor, or the merchant was likely to own a plantation to which he expected to retire, if indeed he did not already live on it while he engaged in his other occupation.