Stuff You Missed in History Class SYMHC Classics: Lettuce, Slavery, and the Bibb Legacy
Jul 5, 2025
Discover the fascinating tale of John Bibb, the man behind Bibb lettuce, whose family wealth was built upon the labor of enslaved people. Dive into the complicated legacy of emancipation and the emotional journey of individuals like Andrew Bibb as they navigated their newfound freedom. The narrative also explores family dynamics, the impact of wills, and even touches on the evolution of queer life. With stories woven through food history, this exploration reveals the intricate ties between agriculture and cultural shifts.
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John Bibb and Bibb Lettuce
- John Bibb was an amateur horticulturalist who developed limestone lettuce in Kentucky.
- He gave most of his lettuce and seeds away; the commercial name 'Bibb lettuce' came after his death.
Richard Bibb's Emancipation Plan
- Major Richard Bibb, John's father, owned many enslaved people and freed some to go to Liberia.
- This reflected complex attitudes toward emancipation, colonization, and family separation.
Andrew Bibb's Emancipation Account
- Andrew Bibb, a formerly enslaved man, gave a romanticized account of Major Bibb's emancipation announcement.
- He described emotional moments but contradictory views on the enslaved people's behavior.
