Notes

Sheep were domesticated 10,000 years ago, but it wasn't until 3,500 B.C that humanity learned to spin wool. Sheep helped to make the spread of civilization back then. Sheep production was established during Biblical times. There are many references to sheep in the Bible (Old Testament). Sheep production is man's oldest industry. Wool was the first sufficient value to international trade. In the 1400's, Queen Isabella used money from wool companies to fund for Columbus's voyage and other captains. In 1493 (second voyage to the New World), Columbus took sheep with him as a "walking food supply." He left some sheep in Cuba. In 1519, Cortez went on his exploration of Mexico and the United States. He took with him sheep that were from Columbus's sheep. These are to believed to be the descendants of what are now called "Churros." The Churro is the oldest breed of sheep in the U.S . The Gulf Coast (or Florida) Native is another breed of sheep believed to be from sheep brought to the New World by Spanish and French explorers. until the early 20th century, Gulf Coast Native sheep are known for their natural block worm parasites. During the 16th and 17th centuries, England tried to take down the wool companies in the American colonies. colonists quickly took sheep into the States and developed a wool industry. By 1664, there were 10,000 sheep in the colonies and the Court of Massachusetts passed a law requiring kids to learn to spin and weave. By 1698, America was exporting wool goods. England became angered and outlawed wool trade, making it punishable by cutting off a person's right hand. The restrictions on sheep raising and wool manufacturing, along with the Stamp Act, led to the American Revolutionary War. Thus, spinning and weaving were considered patriotic acts.