Stringfellow Orchards
Hitchcock, Galveston County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Nationally and internationally recognized horticulturist Henry Martyn Stringfellow (1839-1922) started an experimental garden and orchard at this location in 1883. In 1890 he published a treatise containing inovative organic gardening methods that were adopted by Japanese, German, and many American fruit and vegetable growers. Silver medals garnered at two world fairs and world-wide acclaim for additional publications solidified his stature as a premier experiemental horticulturist of his time. Vestiges of his handiwork were evident here over 100 years later. (1992) [NOTE: Stringfellow's correct death date is 1912]
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1883, horticulturist Henry Martyn Stringfellow established an experimental garden and orchard here on the Texas coastal plain. His 1890 treatise on innovative organic growing methods drew a wide following among fruit and vegetable growers in Japan, Germany, and the United States. Silver medals at two world's fairs and further publications cemented his standing as one of his era's leading experimental horticulturists.
Why it matters
Stringfellow's work marks Texas's contribution to the scientific improvement of agriculture, whose methods rippled out to growers around the world.
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Related people
- · Henry Martyn Stringfellow
Themes & tags
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