In North America, alcoholic beverages were being produced long before any of the Europeans arrived. It is known that the first European settlers were greeted by natives who were bearing gifts of wine made from the persimmon. In the southwestern region of the continent, the native Indians were brewing a beverage made from the fermentation of a type of corn called maize. It is also known that the passengers of the Mayflower were forced ashore, partly due to a shortage of beer. As proof of the importance of beer, the daily consumption of the Puritans was regulated by law. They were allowed two quarts of beer for breakfast alone. As time would pass, there would be little choice of beverages, and the poor management of waste disposal contaminated most water sources. The fact that beer would remain pure due to its alcohol content enticed many people who were afraid of drinking the water.
United States
English: Bubbles forming during beer-brewing by a ...
President Woodrow Wilson asking Congress to declar...The early English settlers of North America relied primarily on the importation of English beers. However, two breweries were established in 1629 which used maize instead of barley. The Dutch colony of New Amsterdam, unlike most other colonies in the New World, relied primarily on local breweries instead of importing beer from the homeland. New Amsterdam was the first and biggest brewing center in the New World, and continued to be so even after being sold to the British and transformed into New York. Philadelphia was the second major brewing location of the New Colonies and began to challenge New York in the late 17th century. Many of the founding fathers of our country were brewers. William Penn had his own brewery which was located on his estate. Samuel Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and Patrick Henry all pushed for legislation to promote the brewing industry in...