Winters in colonial Georgia were mild, but the hot and humid summers bred diseases, such as malaria and yellow fever. The warm weather and fertile soil supported year-round crop cultivation, according to Land of the Brave.
William Stephens (1671-1753) wrote a journal entry, dated June 23, 1742, that described the heat as excessive with uncommonly heavy rains that threatened flooding from the Savannah River.
The excellent growing conditions contributed largely to Georgia's economy through farming. Large plantations grew cash crops, such as rice, tobacco, cotton, sugarcane, vegetables, cotton and indigo dye plants. Crops were traded for household items, such as shoes, sewing notions, dishes and farm tools.
