In the 19th century, America had a basic economy and small industry. It was also a new country, with few customs and traditions. She hadn't had time to acquire one, because it was still so new. America has developed greatly since then, and many of the steps we have taken to achieve today's vibrant economy and huge industry took place in the 19th century. Commerce and industry contributed to 19th-century American identity because they provided the framework for a larger economy in the future, helped spur westward expansion and the growth of cities, necessitated an improved transportation system and forced many new inventions onto the market. In the early 1800s, coastal ports were the largest centers of commerce. They were small towns with basic transportation systems. Most of the goods exported were either simple products or seafood from the nearby ocean. Many farms surrounded the coastal ports. Growing conditions were not very favorable, with the fields being muddy most of the time. Coastal ports were an essential part of local trade. By 1820 we had at least half a million separate household economies trading with several thousand local economies. On small family farms, family members spent the majority of their time working to produce for their own use. Each family farm was like its own economy, with shared free time and produce stocks, tasks assigned to each family member, and chores expected. On slave farms or larger plantations, planters established routines and enforced them through rewards and punishments. Today's more unified economy is much better than the separate economies of the 19th century. Local industry traded flour, lumber, bricks, furniture, wagons, coffins, shoes, and ironwork, all produced in small mills and stores. All materials were produced locally; even iron was melted in town. In addition to artisans, jobs were available as lawyers, bankers, land office officials, tax collectors, sheriffs, teachers, and politicians. The local produce exchange included food items such as butter, canned goods, honey, wine, whiskey and fruit. as well as fabrics and clothing. Some farmers took part in labor exchanges. During the winter months, farmers could sell their workers to factories, other farmers, or to the state or county for road work..