Why was the Delaware Valley called “the best poor man’s country”?

Why was the Delaware Valley called “the best poor man’s country”?

A. There were so few settlers that jobs were easy to find.

B. Rich soil and a mild climate made good conditions for farming.

C. Land was given away to poor people.

D. Rich people who lived there gave food away.

Answer: B. Rich soil and a mild climate made good conditions for farming.

The Delaware Valley region, which includes parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, was once known as, “the best of poor man’s country” due to its healthy agricultural conditions. According to its fertile soil and moderate climate, the territory offered perfect growing and gardening conditions. Due to this, even people from poorer classes could do well and keep their farms productive, enabling them to feed themselves and afford an opportunity to possibly earn money. In this quotation, “the best poor man’s country” sought to emphasize the fact that the area was ideally suited to those of limited means in pursuing agriculture as their means of livelihood, given the rich soil and the friendly climate which, in their turn, offered an avenue to self-sufficiency and modest contentment.