Cotton Belt

The central part of this area, extending into Texas, became known as the Black Belt due to the color of the fertile soil and later the high proportion of slave population.

By the middle of the 19th century, the Cotton Belt extended from Southeast Virginia to East Texas.

[4] The most intensive cotton production occurred in Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi, together with parts of Florida, Louisiana, and Texas.

High productivity depended on the plantation system and slavery combined with fertile soils and a favorable climate.

[5] Cotton production in the region declined in the 20th century due to soil depletion, invasion by the boll weevil, development of alternative markets, and social changes in the region as urban, industrial areas developed.