Riverhead Farm
San Marcos, Hays County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Envisioning a large-scale, innovative truck-farming operation using irrigation from the San Marcos River and Sink Springs, William Green (1873-1927) established Riverhead Farm, headquartered at the former home of Major Edward Burleson Jr. In 1905. Financially backed by his father, Ed J.L. Green, and as president of Riverhead Irrigation District, San Marcos Ice House and San Marcos Light and Power Company, William Green achieved his goal of a self-sustaining, farm-to-market system. Berkshire hogs and Jersey cattle were raised and fruit and vegetables, notably onions, were grown. Business halted in 1909, but Green’s progressive use of hydroelectricity for irrigation and producing ice for insulating railcars led to more advanced agricultural practices.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1905 William Green set out to build a modern, self-sustaining farm along the San Marcos River, drawing irrigation from the river and Sink Springs to supply an ambitious truck-farming operation. Headquartered at the former home of Major Edward Burleson Jr. and backed by his father's capital, Green raised Berkshire hogs and Jersey cattle and grew fruit and vegetables, especially onions, for market. He harnessed hydroelectric power for irrigation and to make ice for insulating railcars, creating an integrated farm-to-market system. Though the business closed in 1909, his methods pointed toward more advanced agricultural practices.
Why it matters
Riverhead Farm shows the Progressive-era faith that science, irrigation, and electricity could remake agriculture into an efficient industry. Green's experiments in hydroelectric irrigation and refrigerated shipping anticipated the commercial farming that would follow.
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Related people
- · William Green
- · Edward Burleson Jr.
Themes & tags
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