What was one of the goals of the Granger Laws?

The Granger Laws were primarily aimed at regulating railroad charges, which were seen as excessively high and discriminatory against farmers. During the late 19th century, farmers in South Carolina and across the United States faced significant challenges due to monopolistic practices in the rail industry. Railroads often charged farmers higher freight rates and offered poor service, which adversely affected their ability to transport goods and compete in markets.

The Grange movement emerged as a response to these issues, advocating for the rights of farmers and calling for legislation to ensure fair pricing. The Granger Laws sought to establish controls on railroad rates to prevent exploitation and create equitable access for farmers to transport their produce. By regulating these charges, the Grange aimed to level the playing field and support the agricultural economy, thereby directly addressing one of the pressing concerns of the time.