Glenblythe Plantation

In the 19th century, one of the world's foremost researcher-writers on agriculture and horticulture lived 1858-1868 on his 3,500-acre plantation (2 mi. S) of here, developing famous "central Texas nurseries" and experimental fields for new plant varieties. On this property gained recognition as one of earliest promoters and developers of conservation farming. Born 1812 in Scotland; came to the United States in 1832, soon starting in Mississippi one of the South's finest nurseries; gained wide fame as scientist and writer on agriculture. Before moving here, landscaped State Capitol grounds for both Louisiana and Texas. Surrounded Glenblythe mansion and guest houses (2 mi. S) with ornamental gardens and greenhouses, vegetable garden, orchard, a church, hospital, day nursery, store, homes, workshop, stock pens, flour and lumber mills. During Civil War (1861-1865) built ambulances, wagons; fed Waul's Legion in training camp near here. After the war, was key figure in rehabilitation of farming in Texas; made a trip to Europe to recruit settlers. Died 1868, and was buried near his home. Writings, especially "Affleck's Southern Rural Almanac," were influential for years. His "Report on Agricultural Grasses" was a Senate Executive Document of 1879.

Glenblythe Plantation is a historical marker in Brenham, Washington County, dedicated in 1967. It is one of 156 historical markers documented in Washington County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 368 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 30.2708, -96.4949 near Brenham. The nearest cataloged historic site is Wallace (cemetery), about 0.6 miles away. Others within a short drive include La Bahia Road, Frieden- E.V Frieden (Gay Hill), and Steinbach.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5477008341. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.