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Plantation not necessarily linked to slaves

November 10, 2023

I read with interest the views of a recent letter writer about the word plantation and their view that Plantation Road should be renamed because of the word plantation and its connection with slaves.

One can look up the word plantation in Merriam-Webster and realize that not in all cases is the word connected with slaves. Here is the definition:

1. A usually large group of plants and especially trees under cultivation

2. A settlement in a new country or region - Plymouth Plantation

3. A place that is planted or under cultivation; an agricultural estate usually worked by resident labor.

So let’s not be too quick and too harsh to judge and call for change. Why would this letter writer be so quick to think that in this case, or any case, just because the word plantation is used, it is necessarily linked with slaves?

Jim Berrigan
Lewes
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