The Patrons of Husbandry, more popularly known as the Grange, was a fraternal organization in the United States that encouraged families to band together to promote the economic and political well-being of the community and agriculture. Founded in 1867 during the Reconstruction era, it initially focused on social activities to counter the isolation of rural life. This encompassed educational gatherings, cooperative buying arrangements, and mutual support networks.
Its significance lies in its early advocacy for farmers’ rights against perceived abuses by railroads, grain elevators, and other businesses that controlled agricultural markets. The organization played a pivotal role in the passage of Granger Laws in several states during the 1870s, which aimed to regulate railroad rates and practices. These laws were an early example of government intervention in the economy to protect the interests of a specific group and influenced subsequent regulatory movements.