Historical Cash Crops: Southern California vs. Georgia

Southern California (late 19th–mid 20th century):

• Citrus: Oranges (navel, Valencia), lemons, grapefruit — "Orange Empire" boom.
• Avocados: Commercialized 1920s onward (Hass variety).
• Grapes: Table grapes (Thompson Seedless), raisins, wine grapes.

Georgia (Antebellum through early 20th century):

• Cotton: "King Cotton" dominated the economy, reliant on enslaved labor pre-1865.
• Peanuts: Expanded post-Civil War; George Washington Carver's research boosted prominence.
• Tobacco: Significant in specific regions (e.g., "Bright Leaf" belt).

Both regions have since diversified heavily (CA: tech, berries, nuts, veg; GA: poultry, pecans, blueberries, timber, film).