As the heat of summer starts to fade with sundown, and the warm air turns crisp and cool, apple lovers across the country are heeding the signs for prime picking season. In the Mid-Atlantic region, the apple harvest typically begins mid-August, and can continue all the way through December for certain varieties. Peaking in October, the harvest yields several types of sweet treats and traditions for fall. Among them is the custom of visiting an orchard or nursery to select the fruits that will eventually become apple pie, applesauce, and apple cider.
But did you ever wonder how all of those assortments of apples ended up in Maryland? Residents from the Northeast to the Midwest have nurseryman John Chapman to thank, remembered by history as the legendary Johnny Appleseed. Many are familiar with the colorful tale of Johnny Appleseed, first brought to life by author W.D. Haley in 1871, who published an article in Harper’s New Monthly Magazine entitled, “Johnny Appleseed: A Pioneer Hero.” The piece, part fact and part fiction, documented the travels, triumphs, and philosophies of John Chapman, an innovative businessman of the 1800’s.
Chapman traveled the Midwest, significantly on foot, collecting seeds from apple cider presses, and acquiring land by planting apple trees. According to Smithsonian Magazine, eager settlers of the newly defined Northwest Territory could claim up to 100 acres of land by planting 50 apple trees and 20 peach trees over the course of three years. In advance of these settlers, Chapman would build orchards, and later sell the land and the fruit to turn a profit. Apple trees were thus newly introduced to areas that would later become the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and West Virginia, among others. However, unlike the variations we consume today, the type of apples that researchers believe Chapman produced were sour, and what one historian describes as similar to crab apples. These apples were used to create popular alcoholic products such as apple cider and applejack, which additionally proved lucrative in the pre- Prohibition era. Chapman also provided seeds to other pioneers traveling west, and to the indigenous Indians.
Today Chapman is remembered both for his original ideas and his original personality. His legacy is wrapped up in his gifts to nature and human nature, as he also promoted peace and generosity throughout his journeys. In honor of his contributions to our country, Johnny Appleseed Day is acknowledged nationally on his birthday, September 26. To celebrate the day, folks around Howard County can spend a day apple picking with the family at nearby locations such as Larriland Farm (2415 Woodbine Road) in Woodbine, Gorman Produce Farm (10151 Gorman Road) in Laurel, and Rock Hill Orchard (28600 Ridge Road) in Mount Airy. Though the myth and the man may not exactly match as much as folklore would lead you to believe, the impact of John Chapman, or Johnny Appleseed, is unquestionable. It only makes sense that we should celebrate!
