From Squash to Symbol: A Brief History of Pumpkins in America

Pumpkins are everywhere in autumn—on porches, in pies, and even in lattes. But how did this humble squash become America’s favorite fall icon?

Here’s a quick look at how pumpkins went from an Indigenous staple crop to a cultural symbol of fall—and what that means for farms today.

✅ Quick Answer: Why are pumpkins associated with fall?

Pumpkins became tied to autumn in the early 1900s when Americans romanticized rural life. Festivals, parades, and seed catalogs turned pumpkins into symbols of abundance, tradition, and a nostalgic connection to farming.

🌱 Pumpkins: A Native Legacy

Pumpkins belong to the Cucurbita genus—essentially, they’re a type of squash. They’ve been part of North American agriculture for thousands of years.

Archaeological evidence suggests pumpkins were first cultivated in Mexico around 7,500 years ago, alongside corn and beans. Early pumpkins were small, bitter, and hard-shelled—but Indigenous farmers gradually bred them for flavor, size, and color.

Today’s round, orange pumpkins reflect centuries of Indigenous knowledge, colonial adaptation, and modern commercial breeding.

🏡 How Pumpkins Became Symbols of Rural America

According to food historian Cindy Ott, pumpkins became cultural icons in the early 1900s—just as American life was rapidly urbanizing.

At that time:

1. Small farms were disappearing
2. People longed for a connection to the countryside
3. Fall harvest imagery became nostalgic and idealized

Festivals, parades, and pumpkin displays helped rural communities celebrate identity and attract visitors, turning the pumpkin into a symbol of homegrown values.

“Pumpkin festivals helped rural communities to survive and to hold on to a rural sense of place.” — Cindy Ott

By the 1970s, seed catalogs began prioritizing appearance over taste—marketing bright orange, uniform pumpkins ideal for display rather than eating.

🎃 Decoration > Nutrition

Despite their rich culinary history, most modern pumpkins are sold for decoration, not food:

1. In 1949, the U.S. produced 72,000 tons of pumpkins
2. By 2007, production topped 1.1 million tons
3. 90% of those were ornamental rather than edible

The rise of the Connecticut field pumpkin as the standard jack-o’-lantern cemented the trend. And with it came the boom in pumpkin patches as fall destinations—shaping the agritourism landscape we know today.

According to USDA Economic Research Service data, U.S. farms produced 1.2 billion pounds of pumpkins in 2022, and 80–85% were grown for ornamental use, not food.

🚜 What It Means for Farms Today

Pumpkin patches aren’t just for photos—they’re a lifeline for small farms, offering:

1. Seasonal income and a gateway for selling local goods
2. Educational opportunities for kids and schools
3. Strengthened regional identities tied to fall and food traditions
4. Community events that keep land in agricultural use

Want to learn more about agritourism and how it differs from agritainment? Read our guide →

🔮 What’s Next for Pumpkins?

Will future pumpkins swing back toward taste over looks?

Can pumpkin patches become centers for food education?

How can celebrations stay sustainable?

At Delve, we believe pumpkins are more than porch décor—they’re a story about land, food, and community. Explore more seasonal farm experiences →

✅ FAQ Section

Why are pumpkins a symbol of fall?

Because of their harvest timing and nostalgic ties to rural life, pumpkins became icons of abundance during the early 20th century—and festivals cemented that role.

Do most pumpkins get eaten or decorated?

Today, about 90% of U.S. pumpkins are grown for decoration, not food.

Why do farms grow pumpkins for agritourism?

Pumpkin patches attract visitors, support small farms, and drive sales of other local products—making them essential for seasonal income.

Looking for a Pumpkin Patch Near You?

If you’re in Texas, start with our Texas Pumpkin Patch Guide → featuring the best spots in DFW, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio.

Not in Texas? Explore what agritourism is all about → and discover how farm visits create connection, learning, and seasonal fun—wherever you are. You can also sign up for seasonal farm tips and updates as we grow.

✅ Sources

1. Smithsonian Magazine: How Ancient Humans Helped Bring Pumpkins to Your Thanksgiving Table – Explains Indigenous domestication of pumpkins and early cultivation history.
2. Cindy Ott: *Pumpkin: The Curious History of an American Icon* – Scholarly exploration of pumpkin symbolism in American culture.
3. Cindy Ott’s Pumpkin History Site – Additional resources and research summaries.
4. USDA ERS: Pumpkins Background & Statistics – 2022 production data (1.2B pounds), share by state, and ornamental vs edible use percentages.