Plantation owners were individuals who managed large agricultural estates, primarily in the Southern United States during the 18th and 19th centuries. They cultivated cash crops such as cotton, tobacco, and sugar using extensive land and labor. These owners often relied on enslaved people to work the fields, which significantly contributed to their wealth and social status. The role of plantation owners was central to the economy of the time, as they produced goods for both domestic and international markets. Their practices and lifestyles were deeply intertwined with the institution of slavery, leading to significant social and economic implications that shaped American history.