I can not say when tobacco was first grown in SW VA but given that it was the primary cash crop I would think it started very early. The questions with it is how did they get it to the markets. Most was sent to England before the War and to Europe (the Dutch) thereafter. I guess some went north. Was it take by wagon, floated down the James or Roanoke, or New to Ohio to the Miss. river to New Orleans. Or down the TN River?? Edgar A. Howard wrote: > > > The BIG QUESTION on my mind is where did these poor > pioneers get the cash to make these purchases. Some of my families came to VA after selling land in PA in the mid 1700's. Some came from families in eastern VA and Maryland that had large plantations. They probably inherited some money or land to sell before moving westward. Were there areas in SW VA that tobacco could be grown for a cash crop? At least one ancestor was a longhunter, but I don't know how much cash these hunters would have made from furs. Phyllis "Toto, I don't think we are in NH any more."