This learning resource examines the geography and social hierarchy of the Southern colonies, focusing on the transition from a gold-seeking economy to one based on agriculture. It includes activities that encourage students to observe geographical features, think critically about agricultural impacts on social systems, and synthesize how fertile lands shaped social hierarchies. The resource prompts reflective thinking with a counter-factual scenario about the implications of lacking fertile land, and offers exercises to gauge understanding of the geographical and economic links essential to the development of plantation systems. Additionally, it includes a metacognitive component for self-assessment of confidence in understanding these concepts.