The Grange, officially known as the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, is a social organization in the United States that advocates for the economic and political well-being of the agricultural community (Wikipedia, 2023). Founded in 1867, it is the oldest American agricultural advocacy group with a national scope (Wikipedia, 2023). This article explores the history, objectives, membership, advocacy efforts, and current status of the Grange, drawing upon information from reputable sources such as Wikipedia, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, and the Minnesota Historical Society.
Key Facts
- Founding: The Grange was founded in 1867 by Oliver Kelley and six colleagues from the U.S. Bureau of Agriculture.
- Objectives: The Grange was established to advance methods of agriculture, advocate for farmers’ rights, and promote the social and economic needs of farmers.
- Membership: The Grange is open to farmers and their families, as well as individuals interested in agriculture and rural life.
- Advocacy: The Grange has historically opposed manufacturing and processing monopolies that disadvantage farmers and protested high railroad freight rates.
- Women’s Leadership: The National Grange was the first national organization to require leadership roles for women, with at least four of its 16 elected positions reserved for women.
- Issues Fought For: Over the years, the Grange has fought for various issues including railroad regulations, farm loans, and universal suffrage.
- Current Status: The National Grange still exists today with approximately 2,000 local community Granges across 41 states and nearly 80,000 members.
Historical Context and Founding
The Grange was established in 1867 amidst a period of economic and social challenges for farmers in the United States (Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, n.d.). The financial crisis of 1873, coupled with falling crop prices, rising railroad fees, and the government’s reduction of paper money in favor of gold and silver, severely impacted farmers’ livelihoods (Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, n.d.). In response to these difficulties, Oliver Kelley, an agriculturalist and organizer, along with six colleagues from the U.S. Bureau of Agriculture, founded the Grange (Wikipedia, 2023).
Objectives and Membership
The Grange was established with the primary objectives of advancing agricultural methods, advocating for farmers’ rights, and promoting the social and economic needs of farmers (Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, n.d.). Membership in the Grange is open to farmers and their families, as well as individuals interested in agriculture and rural life (Wikipedia, 2023).
Advocacy Efforts
Throughout its history, the Grange has actively engaged in advocacy efforts to address issues affecting farmers (Wikipedia, 2023). The organization has opposed manufacturing and processing monopolies that disadvantage farmers and has protested high railroad freight rates (Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, n.d.). Additionally, the Grange has advocated for various issues such as railroad regulations, farm loans, and universal suffrage (Wikipedia, 2023).
Women’s Leadership and Social Impact
The National Grange holds the distinction of being the first national organization to require leadership roles for women (Wikipedia, 2023). At least four of its 16 elected positions were reserved for women, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment (Wikipedia, 2023). Furthermore, the Grange has played a significant role in promoting social and cultural activities within rural communities, fostering a sense of unity and belonging among farmers and their families (Minnesota Historical Society, n.d.).
Current Status and Legacy
The National Grange continues to exist today, with approximately 2,000 local community Granges across 41 states and nearly 80,000 members (Wikipedia, 2023). The organization remains committed to its mission of advocating for farmers’ interests and promoting agricultural education and grassroots organizing (Wikipedia, 2023). The Grange’s legacy lies in its enduring advocacy efforts, its contributions to agricultural policy, and its role in shaping the social and economic landscape of rural America.
References
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. (n.d.). The Grange Movement, 1875. Retrieved from https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-resources/spotlight-primary-source/grange-movement-1875
Minnesota Historical Society. (n.d.). The Grange. Retrieved from https://www.mnhs.org/kelleyfarm/learn/grange
Wikipedia. (2023). National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Grange_of_the_Order_of_Patrons_of_Husbandry
FAQs
What is the Grange?
The Grange, officially known as the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, is a social organization in the United States that advocates for the economic and political well-being of the agricultural community.
When was the Grange founded?
The Grange was founded in 1867 by Oliver Kelley and six colleagues from the U.S. Bureau of Agriculture.
What are the objectives of the Grange?
The Grange’s objectives include advancing agricultural methods, advocating for farmers’ rights, and promoting the social and economic needs of farmers.
Who can join the Grange?
Membership in the Grange is open to farmers and their families, as well as individuals interested in agriculture and rural life.
What advocacy efforts has the Grange undertaken?
The Grange has opposed manufacturing and processing monopolies that disadvantage farmers, protested high railroad freight rates, and advocated for issues such as railroad regulations, farm loans, and universal suffrage.
What is the Grange’s stance on women’s leadership?
The National Grange holds the distinction of being the first national organization to require leadership roles for women, with at least four of its 16 elected positions reserved for women.
What is the current status of the Grange?
The National Grange continues to exist today, with approximately 2,000 local community Granges across 41 states and nearly 80,000 members.
What is the Grange’s legacy?
The Grange’s legacy lies in its enduring advocacy efforts, its contributions to agricultural policy, and its role in shaping the social and economic landscape of rural America.