Porter Farm

Porter Farm
Nearest city Terrell, Texas
Coordinates 32°46′40″N 96°16′28″W / 32.77778°N 96.27444°W / 32.77778; -96.27444Coordinates: 32°46′40″N 96°16′28″W / 32.77778°N 96.27444°W / 32.77778; -96.27444
Built 1903
Architect Unknown
Architectural style No Style Listed
NRHP Reference # 66000819
Significant dates
Added to NRHP October 15, 1966[1]
Designated NHL July 19, 1964[2]

The Porter Farm, also known as Walter C. Porter Farm, near Terrell, Texas was the site of the first cooperative farm demonstration, organized by Dr. Seaman A. Knapp in 1903. The project successfully demonstrated methods expanding crop production. From this foundation project developed the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Extension Service.

Knapp worked with Walter Porter to set aside 70 acres (28 ha) of the farm, on which the experimental use of fertilizers on some plots and rotation with nitrogen-fixing legumes doubled normal yields of cotton. Porter had been selected by the community to participate in the project, with $1000 set aside to cover potential losses. Porter profited from the experiment, and the money was unused. The success of this project led to the Extension Service programs, which went on to develop methods to combat boll weevil infestation in the area.[3]

References

  1. Staff (2008-04-15). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
  2. "Porter Farm". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Retrieved 2008-06-25.
  3. Mendinghall, Joseph Scott. "National Register of Historic Places Inventory - Nomination Form: Porter Farm" (PDF). National Park Service. Retrieved 2009-06-22.

External links

Kaufman County, Texas


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