During the 19th century, cotton emerged as the dominant crop fueling the economy of the Southern Coastal Plains.

The region's warm climate and fertile soil made it ideal for cotton cultivation, leading to the establishment of large plantations that relied heavily on enslaved labor. The invention of the cotton gin in the late 18th century further boosted production, allowing for faster processing of the fiber. Cotton became the cornerstone of the Southern economy, driving trade and commerce while significantly influencing social structures and labor systems. The "Cotton Kingdom" played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural and economic landscape of the Coastal Plains, leaving a lasting legacy in American history.