159 – Colonial Lumber

The Colonial Lumber Trade

Today we look at the birth of the timber trade in America. From when the Pilgrims stepped off the Mayflower up until the Revolutionary War. Timber was one of those contributing factors that led to war. We all talk about throwing tea into the harbor, but what about the Pine Tree riots and the Broad Arrow Notices that claimed colonial Pines for the Royal Navy. Happy Thanksgiving as we explore how and what timber was used and exported from early America.

The colonial lumber trade grew substantially from the early 17th century up through the American Revolution and set the practices and network in place to create a lumber giant that still thrives today.  Who we export to may have changed a bit and our volume of import is 180 degrees in the other direction but these early years laid the foundation for the entire industry today.