In the context of cotton growth in the United States, what geographic feature was most significant?

The significance of cotton growth near rivers lies in the essential role that water bodies played in the agricultural economy of the United States, particularly in the South during the 19th century. Rivers provided necessary irrigation for the cotton crops, which required substantial amounts of water to thrive. Furthermore, rivers served as vital transportation routes for moving cotton from plantations to markets and ports for export, facilitating trade and helping establish the cotton economy as a dominant force in the region.

The locations of plantations were often strategically chosen to take advantage of proximity to rivers, which allowed for easier access to water for irrigation and simplified the logistics of transporting harvested cotton. This proximity ultimately contributed to the economic success and expansion of the cotton industry, reinforcing the South's reliance on cotton agriculture, particularly during the antebellum period. The interplay between river systems and agricultural production significantly shaped the agricultural practices and economic landscape of the time.