Historical Marker

Texas Agricultural Experiment Station No. 6

Historical marker location:
Denton, Texas
( From Denton exit I-35 North at U.S. Hwy 380, turn west, go 1.3 miles to Masch Branch Road, turn north and go .5 mile to intersection of Masch Branch and Hampton Road in Denton.)
Marker installed: 2011
Marker size: 27" x 42"

DURING DENTON COUNTY’S EARLY YEARS, FARMING AND RANCHING WERE THE TRADITIONAL PURSUITS. WHEN THE RAILROADS ENTERED THE COUNTY, SUBSISTENCE FARMING GAVE WAY TO FARMING THAT YIELDED MONEY-MAKING CROPS THAT COULD BE SHIPPED TO VARIOUS MARKETS. IN 1887, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT PASSED THE HATCH ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO STATES THAT PROMOTED SCIENTIFIC EXPERIMENTATION REGARDING AGRICULTURE. OVER THE NEXT TWENTY YEARS, EXPERIMENT STATIONS WERE ESTABLISHED THROUGHOUT THE STATE. IN 1910, THE AREA RECEIVED NOTICE THAT A STATION WOULD BE LOCATED IN DENTON, KNOWN AS STATION NO. 6. THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OFFERED A SITE WEST OF DENTON OWNED BY J. N. RAYZOR THAT THE STATION OCCUPIED FOR THE FIRST FEW YEARS. HOWEVER, BECAUSE OF SOIL ISSUES, THE STATE BOUGHT THE J. T. LUPER FARM FIVE MILES NORTHWEST OF DENTON IN 1913 AND MOVED THE STATION THERE.

THE STATION SPECIALIZED IN RESEARCH ON WAYS TO IMPROVE GRAINS AND THEIR RESISTANCE TO WEATHER AND DISEASE. THE STATION’S SUCCESS WAS EVIDENT IN THE NEW VARIETIES OF OATS DEVELOPED THAT COULD WITHSTAND NORTH TEXAS’ SOMETIMES SEVERE WINTERS. NORTEX, NEW NORTEX, MUSTANG AND ALAMO WERE A FEW EXAMPLES OF THE NEW VARIETIES OF OATS. THEY DOUBLED YIELDS AND ALSO HELPED OVERCOME THE PROBLEM OF RUST DAMAGE. THE STATION ALSO PRODUCED WHEAT VARIETIES SUCH AS WESTAR, QUANAH AND FRISCO, AND BARLEYS SUCH AS TEXAN AND CORDOVA. THE STATION LED TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AGRICULTURAL-RELATED INDUSTRIES THAT BOUGHT AND SOLD SEED, PLANTS, FERTILIZER, MILLS, TOOLS AND OTHER SALES, AND ADDED GROWTH TO THE REGIONAL ECONOMY. MANY FARMERS DEPENDED ON THE STATION FOR ADVICE ON THEIR FARMING OPERATIONS BUT AFTER 62 YEARS, THE STATION WAS CLOSED IN 1972 AND ACTIVITIES WERE MOVED TO A REGIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTER

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

Agriculture
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Texas random facts
Denton County, Texas, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The region was initially inhabited by Native American tribes before European settlers arrived. In the mid-1800s, the area experienced rapid growth and development as pioneers and immigrants began to establish permanent settlements.

Denton County was officially established in 1846 and named after John B. Denton, a prominent figure in Texas history. The county played a significant role in the early days of Texas statehood and witnessed the challenges and triumphs of westward expansion.

Throughout the 19th century, Denton County thrived due to the expansion of railroads and the arrival of new settlers. Agriculture, particularly the production of cotton, became a key economic driver. Educational institutions, such as the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University, were founded in Denton County during this period, establishing a legacy of academic excellence.

In the 20th century, Denton County continued to evolve. The discovery of oil in the area brought new economic opportunities, and the county experienced further growth and urbanization. Today, Denton County is a dynamic and thriving region with a diverse economy that includes sectors such as education, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Denton County, Texas.

  • Native American Inhabitation: Before European settlement, Denton County was home to various Native American tribes, including the Wichita and Tonkawa.

  • Anglo-American Settlement: In the mid-1800s, Anglo-American settlers began to arrive, drawn by the fertile land and prospects for farming and ranching. The Peters Colony, a land grant company, played a significant role in attracting these settlers.

  • County Formation: Denton County was officially established in 1846, named after John B. Denton, a prominent preacher and soldier who died during the Texas Revolution.

  • Growth and Development: The county's growth accelerated with the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, leading to the establishment of towns such as Denton, Lewisville, and Frisco. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became a key economic driver in the region.

  • Education: Denton County became an educational hub with the founding of the University of North Texas (formerly known as North Texas Normal College) in 1890. The university has since grown into a major educational institution.

  • Modernization and Urbanization: In the 20th century, Denton County experienced suburban growth and industrial development, especially with the expansion of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The county's population has steadily increased, and it is now one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas.