Green Oaks Farm
Temple, Bell County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Historic Green Oaks Farm is part of the Maximo Moreno eleven league grant of 1834. Moses (1793-1858) and Barzilla Curry Griffin (1801-1873) received land from this grant, and later transferred it to their daughter, Cornelia Griffin Heard (Hurd) Rich (1843-1934). The farm became a focal point for area settlers; Mount Vernon School opened south of a farmhouse Rich built in 1882 and the community of Echo developed on the northeastern edge of this land. Also, a trail vital to the settlement crossed Friars Creek, running diagonally across the property. The creek and a well provided water to area residents and to travelers. The farm continues to serve as a record of early area settlement and exploration. (2009)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Green Oaks Farm lies within the sprawling Maximo Moreno land grant of 1834, part of which passed to Moses and Barzilla Griffin and later to their daughter Cornelia Griffin Rich, who built a farmhouse here in 1882. The farm became a hub for early settlers: the Mount Vernon School opened nearby, the community of Echo grew on its edge, and a settlement trail crossed Friars Creek, whose waters served travelers and residents alike.
Why it matters
The farm preserves the layered story of Mexican-era land grants and Anglo settlement that shaped Central Texas before and after statehood.
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Related people
- · Maximo Moreno
- · Moses Griffin
- · Cornelia Griffin Rich
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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