During the colonial period, tobacco farming emerged as a major economic activity in the Coastal Plains, especially in regions like Virginia and the Carolinas.

The climate and fertile soil of the Coastal Plains were ideal for cultivating tobacco, which quickly became a cash crop and a cornerstone of the colonial economy. Planters relied heavily on enslaved labor to grow, harvest, and process tobacco, which was then exported to Europe, generating substantial profits. This demand for tobacco not only shaped the agricultural landscape but also influenced social and economic structures in the colonies. The legacy of tobacco farming continues to impact the Coastal Plains' cultural and economic history today.