Uses of Kentucky Coffee tree

When Kentucky was first settled by the adventurous pioneers from the Atlantic States, who commenced their career in the primeval wilderness, almost without the necessaries of life, except as produced by them from the fertile soil, they fancied that they had discovered a substitute for coffee in the seeds of this tree, and accordingly the name of Coffee tree was bestowed upon it: but when a communication was established with the seaports, they gladly relinquished their Kentucky beverage for the more grateful flavor of the Indian plant; and no use is at present made of it in that manner. It has, however, a fine, compact wood, highly useful in building or cabinet-work.