Fairbank Drought

North America [circa 500 bce]

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 26, 2026

Quick Summary

The Fairbank Drought, occurring around 500 BCE, was a significant climatic event in North America. It was one of several major drought periods identified in the region over the past three millennia. These droughts, including the Great Drought (1276-1299 CE) and the Whitewater Drought (circa 300 CE), appear to have coincided with major cultural shifts in North and Central America. Droughts are characterized by extended periods of low rainfall, leading to water imbalances that impact plants, animals, and human societies. Visible signs include crop damage, reduced water levels in lakes and rivers, and increased soil dryness. These conditions can lead to social disruptions and competition for scarce resources.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Great Drought
…have been identified are the Fairbank Drought of 500 bc and the Whitewater Drought of ad 300. Notably, all these dates appear to be related to major upheavals in the cultures of North and Central America.
Read More
…have been identified are the Fairbank Drought of 500 bc and the Whitewater Drought of ad 300. Notably, all these dates appear to be related to major upheavals in the cultures of North and Central America.
Read More