Near Brookston in Lamar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Smiley-Woodfin Native Prairie Grassland

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 13, 2016

1. Smiley-Woodfin Native Prairie Grassland Marker

Inscription. This meadow, approximately 2100 acres, is the largest section of native grassland existing in Texas. It was originally part of a prairie system that stretched throughout the Midwestern United States and into Canada. Since the earliest settlers arrived in this area in the 1830s, when Texas was part of Mexico, this grassland has remained uncultivated, providing an annual harvest of native grasses.

A lack of fuel and surface water made this area unsuitable for pioneer farmers. Although similar land nearby was tilled and planted, often resulting in erosion or overworked soil, this site was saved by the owner M.L. Smiley (1872-1953). A native of Lamar County, he used the meadow for cattle grazing and for hay production.

Early harvests consisted of cutting and stacking the grasses for drying, or transporting the hay to nearby steam-powered presses. The process was later simplified by the use of gasoline-powered machines that harvested and baled the hay on the site.

After Smiley's death, the meadow was inherited by brothers George S. and Gene M. Woodfin. Today the Smiley-Woodfin Prairie Grassland is the largest supplier of native hay in the state.

Erected 1981 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 8227.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic

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lists: Agriculture • Environment • Notable Places • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 2100.

Location. 33° 38.552′ N, 95° 42.405′ W. Marker is near Brookston, Texas, in Lamar County. Marker is on U.S. 82, half a mile west of Farm to Market Road 38, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located in a pull-out on the north side of the highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brookston TX 75421, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Tridens Prairie (approx. half a mile away); Lamar County (approx. 6.2 miles away); Site of Lafayette (approx. 7.7 miles away); Burial Site of John S. Chisum (approx. 8.1 miles away); Union Station (approx. 8.1 miles away); Central National Road (approx. 8.1 miles away); Paris Lodge No. 27, A.F. & A.M. (approx. 8.4 miles away); First Presbyterian Church (approx. 8½ miles away).

More about this marker. Marker is a large metal plaque, mounted vertically on a 5-foot tall concrete post.

Photographed By Morgan Petermann, April 23, 2023

2. Smiley-Woodfin Native Prairie Grassland Marker

This hoto is taken facing north. The marker is in the foreground with the grassland in the background.

Smiley-Woodfin Native Prairie Grassland Marker (<i>wide view</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 13, 2016

3. Smiley-Woodfin Native Prairie Grassland Marker (wide view)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 6, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 2,809 times since then and 391 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 6, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2. submitted on April 24, 2023, by Morgan Petermann of Irving, Texas. 3. submitted on January 6, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.