As we celebrate the 4th of July and reflect on the founding of our nation, it’s worth remembering that American independence wasn’t only declared on paper—it was seeded and took root in the ground. Many of our country’s Founding Fathers were farmers, including George Washington, who managed a sprawling estate at Mount Vernon, and Thomas Jefferson, whose passion for agriculture made Monticello a living laboratory. And while we often read about early American farmers growing tobacco, wheat, and corn, pulse crops like beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas also played a quiet but crucial role in America’s path to freedom.
Jefferson, in particular, was known for his deep interest in legumes. He planted and documented several varieties of chickpeas, lentils, peas, and beans, not only for their dietary value but also for their unique ability to restore soil health. His curiosity led him to experiment with crops from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, always searching for ways to make American agriculture more independent and more resilient.
Let’s look at a few key ways pulse crops helped support the American Revolution and the vision that followed:
Food for Patriots and Soldiers
During the war, the Continental Army had to stretch limited resources. Beans and peas became essential rations, valued for their protein, affordability, and long shelf life. These humble crops helped feed the troops through harsh winters and long campaigns, providing sustenance when other food sources ran out. Washington’s own army received shipments of dried legumes when meat was scarce—a testament to their role as a survival food during wartime
Symbol of Self-Sufficiency
As trade with Britain was cut off, Americans turned inward to feed themselves. Pulse crops didn’t require imported fertilizer and could enrich the soil naturally—making them ideal for farmers facing supply shortages. Planting legumes became an act of patriotic self-reliance. Families grew beans and peas not just to survive, but to resist economic dependence on the crown.
Thomas Jefferson and Agricultural Independence
Jefferson believed agriculture should form the backbone of the new republic. He saw pulse crops as more than food; they were tools for building a nation. His extensive records include references to garbanzo beans (chickpeas), lentils, and garden peas, all grown in the rich Virginia soil at Monticello. Jefferson understood what scientists now confirm: pulse crops enrich the land, support food systems, and promote agricultural independence—core ideals of a free nation.
As we celebrate this Independence Day, let’s remember that the values we cherish—freedom, resilience, and innovation—were rooted in the soil as much as in our founding documents. And pulse crops, in a quiet but important way, helped sow the seeds of that legacy.
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY FROM THE MONTANA PULSE CROP COMMITTEE!
▶ Stay connected with the MPCC blog for more historical insights, pulse crop news, and stories from Montana growers. Don’t forget to share this post and tag us in your own 4th of July celebrations with pulse-powered meals!
