2018.071.013 [Plow]

During the spring and fall months in Iowa, it is not uncommon to see tractors, combines, wagons, and plows in the field. In the early 1900s, farming technology looked much different. The most common piece of technology was the plow. The steel plow, like the one pictured above, was made and patented by John Deere in the late 19th century into the early 20th century. This plow was the answer to farmers wanting to farm on the root packed prairie lands of the Midwest. Farmers used the plow in the spring to overturn the soil for planting. During the fall, farmers would plow again after harvesting the crop. The plow pictured above is part of a display about harvesting and farming in Iowa at the Grundy County Heritage Museum. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding copyright restrictions.