In 1539, Hernando de Soto landed in Florida with a herd of pigs, which would have a lasting impact on North America's agricultural landscape. The pigs he introduced became foundational to both feral and domestic pig populations across the continent. This event marked the beginning of significant ecological changes in North America, as the introduced species adapted and thrived, influencing local ecosystems and indigenous practices.

Inspired narratives of frontier survival in colonial American poetry and stories, representing resilience and the transformation of landscapes. Poets like Anne Bradstreet and Edward Taylor incorporated themes of nature and survival, reflecting the challenges faced by early settlers.