Largely starting as a farming community; Apples and a type of potato called "giant" were a common crop for the area (a giant potato is roughly about the size and shape of an American football). In 1916, the area "broke all records, harvesting 100 barrels of potatoes per acre. The area was also known for horse farms in the 1800s. One famous trotter came from this area. In 1849, George M. Patchen was foaled. He stood 16 hands high. He was bred by HF Sickles and in 1860 trotted a record 2:23.5 at Union Course, NY. Colonel Baker reported using this horse during the 1862 Second Manassas Campaign of the 1st DC Cav.