Marketing the Frontier in the Northwest Territory

Focusing on the antebellum Northwest Territory, this study explores the failures of frontier farming due to flawed legislative markets and inadequate surveying, leading to significant losses for farmers and the national economy. It delves into the historical context of farming and settlement patterns in the Great Lakes region, particularly Michigan, using Midland County as a case study. The analysis includes variations in soil quality, investment promotion efforts, population trends, and individual investor experiences, providing a comprehensive view of the economic challenges faced during this period.