Porter Farm
Also known as: Porter, Walter C., Farm
Why it's listed
Seventy acres of farmland near Terrell, Texas, mark the place where organized agricultural demonstration began. In early 1903, farmers and businessmen in Kaufman County were looking for ways to fight the boll weevil, which threatened their one-crop cotton economy. They invited Dr. Seaman A. Knapp of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, who proposed that one farmer plant and grow a crop by his methods for the whole community to see. Walter C. Porter was chosen, and local businessmen placed $1,000 in a bank to cover any loss; none was needed. Porter's yields exceeded what he had previously harvested. The Department of Agriculture adopted the approach, and the work grew into the national Agricultural Extension Service, with 4-H clubs and similar programs tracing back to it. The farm is still worked by Porter's family, and the original farmhouse stands across the road. Three markers face the original demonstration fields.
Significance in brief: This was the site of the first farm demonstration organized by Dr. Seaman A. Knapp of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, begun February 26, 1903, as a response to the cotton boll weevil. The demonstration led to the nationwide Agricultural Extension Service and to programs such as Boys' Corn Clubs, canning societies and 4-H Clubs.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 66000819, listed October 15, 1966. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 2 mi. N of Terrell on FR 986, Terrell |
|---|---|
| County | Kaufman County |
| Listed | October 15, 1966 |
| Reference number | 66000819 |
| Resource type | Site |
| Period of significance | 1903 |
| Architect / builder | Founder: Dr. Seaman A. Knapp |
| Areas of significance | Agriculture |
| Level of significance | National |
| National Historic Landmark | Yes, designated July 19, 1964 |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Still an active farm operated by the Porter family; the condition is listed as excellent and altered. The original farmhouse remains in use, and a tomato warehouse within the boundary does not add to the landmark's significance. |
| Acreage | 70 |
| Coordinates | 32.77533, -96.27430 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
Sites (archaeological sites, battlefields, landscapes) are often listed with a restricted address to protect them from looting or disturbance. Listing is honorary for private owners; federal undertakings on or near the site go through Section 106 review, and state laws may protect burials and artefacts regardless of listing.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 66000819.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7231615
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.