The History of Coffee in the U.S.
How did coffee reach the United States? When did it become so accessible? Learn all about it here!
Thanksgiving is just around the corner! We will all be reflecting on family, friends, and the things we are grateful for in our own lives. You may be familiar with the first Thanksgiving story- but have you heard of the story about how coffee became popularized in the U.S.? Read on if you want to impress some family or friends this Thanksgiving!
Coffee is the most important edition to your Thanksgiving dinner spread. People come for the turkey, but they stay for the coffee.
“I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual. It is surprising how contented one can be with nothing definite – only (the coffee bean).”
– Henry David Thoreau
Coffee First Arrives on the Continent
John Smith, famous for founding the colony of Virginia, brought coffee with him to the New World. This contribution was quick to spread. In 1670, a woman named Dorothy Jones was the first person to get a coffee license in Boston and open up a coffeehouse.
The Boston Tea Party in 1773 caused a shift in culture. The colonies were no longer willing to go along with the excess tax on imported goods, specifically tea. Tea also happened to be the single most consumed beverage in the country at that time. One result was the preference of coffee over tea among the American colonists. It was a symbol of patriotism: not drinking tea meant not supporting the King of England.
Coffee Gets Popularized
As coffee was traded and grown outside of Arabia, the industry exploded. Coffee became wildly popular all over the world; in the U.S., sales only increased with each year. Folgers, Maxwell House, and Hills Brothers are just a few examples of the major players in the American coffee industry from the 1800’s on.
Coffee found its way into the military, offering a more responsible replacement for alcohol that has previously been offered to soldiers during battle. In the Civil War, coffee’s popularity demanded a quicker way to get it to the army. Instant coffee was developed during this time.
“All you need is (coffee), (coffee), (coffee). (Coffee) is all you need.”
-The Beatles
Establishing American Coffee Culture
In the early 1980’s, Peets and Starbucks came on the scene. Their niche: making coffee available to everyone, no matter what state you are in. Not only was their product more accessible than ever before, but they also went on to popularize the customizable to-go drinks we all know and love. You can also thank them for your pumpkin-spiced latte addiction!
Coffee culture in America from this point on drifted more towards quantity than quality. It becomes more important for people to have coffee here and now, rather than to have a cup of coffee from the highest quality beans, roasted to perfection, and brewed with skill.
Organic Tuscany
This top-seller is a full-bodied blend, sure to impress any dinner guests!
Finally, A High-Quality Local Roaster
In 1983 Passport Coffee produced it’s first batch of freshly roasted coffee. With about 40 years of experience, we have worked to perfect the quality of our beans, the smoothness of our coffee, and the satisfaction of our customers all over the U.S.
This Thanksgiving we are thankful, not only for all the coffee industry leaders who came before us and made it possible for us to do what we do, but for our loyal customers who love and support us!
Spread the love and share some Passport coffee and tea with your loved ones after a hearty Thanksgiving dinner.
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