Map Showing the Probable Areas Suited to Beet Culture [with report]

Dwight Schrute’s favorite map.

“I transmit herewith, for the information of the Congress, a communication from the Secretary of Agriculture, covering a detailed report showing the present condition of the beet sugar industry in this country and the results of experiments made by the Department of Agriculture in the production of sugar from beets in the United States during the past year.” – William McKinley, President.

This fascinating pair of maps and accompanying report were prepared by Dr. H.W. Wiley of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and published by the Government Printing Office in 1898.

Looking to compete with the immensely sweet (and profitable) sugar exports of the Caribbean and replicate the success of the industry in Europe, enterprising farmers opened the first sugar beet factory in America near Alvarado, California in 1870. The market expanded rapidly in the following decades and by the outbreak of World War I there were more than 90 such production plants in operation across 18 different states.

The map of the United States shows the areas best suited to sugar beet cultivation in dark brown, with red overprinting identifying factories (in operation and under construction), isotherms, and average mean summer temperatures. For those fans of the show The Office, they will be pleased to note that Scranton, PA falls within the appropriate zone for growing beets! A second map is also included, focusing on the state of New York.

Source.