The Founding of the Grange: A Movement for Farmers' Rights

Name: The Founding of the Grange: A Movement for Farmers' Rights
Start: 1826-12-04
Location: Unspecified

The Birth of the Grange

Oliver Hudson Kelley and the Founding of the Grange

In 1867, a former Minnesota farmer named Oliver Hudson Kelley found a significant movement that would shape agricultural practices and uplift farmers across the United States: the Order of the Patrons of Husbandry, widely known as the Grange. Frustrated by the challenges faced by farmers—such as dwindling profits, monopolistic practices of railroads, and isolation—Kelley sought to create an organization that would unite farmers and give them a collective voice.

The Goals of the Grange

The primary mission of the Grange was to promote the economic and social interests of farmers. It aimed to provide educational opportunities, advocate for agricultural reforms, and encourage cooperative buying and selling. By fostering a sense of community and togetherness among farmers, the movement sought to empower them against the powerful interests of industry and commerce.

The Growth and Impact of the Grange

Expansion of the Grange Movement

After its establishment, the Grange rapidly expanded throughout the Midwest and other regions. By the 1870s, it had hundreds of thousands of members, becoming a political force to reckon with. Farmers convened in Grange halls to discuss their issues and propose legislation aimed at regulatory reforms, specifically targeting the unfair practices of railroads and grain elevator owners.

The Lasting Legacy of the Grange

The influence of the Grange extended beyond agriculture. It played a pivotal role in shaping public policies and advocating for farmers' rights. The Grange helped initiate reforms in state laws regarding railroads and contributed to the establishment of the Interstate Commerce Commission in 1887, aimed at regulating these vital transportation services. Today, the principles and objectives of the Grange continue to inspire agricultural advocacy groups across the nation.

Fun Fact

The Grange and Cooperative Farming

One interesting fact about the Grange is that it pioneered the concept of cooperative purchasing, allowing farmers to buy supplies at lower prices when they pooled their resources together. This innovative approach helped them save money and increase their profits.