Former Office Site of Texas Land & Development Company

The company was the idea of Plainview land agent Milton Day Henderson, who planned to sell newcomers farms already housed, planted and irrigated. Eastern financier Frederick Stark Pearson raised the money through parent companies chartered in Canada, bringing $1,557,000 to Plainview in 1912. Henderson bought 61,360 acres, and by 1914 the company had spent $618,561 improving them, advertising in Sunset and Country Gentleman and running excursions from the Midwest. It sold ninety-two developed farms before World War I cut off its capital in 1916, then leased its land to tenants.

What the plaque says

Former Office Site of Texas Land & Development Company Unique agricultural pioneer. Founded in 1912 by J.W. Grant and M.D. Henderson, who obtained Eastern and European capital to develop 65,000 acres of Hale, Floyd and Swisher county lands. This area became one of the most productive in America, because of the irrigated and drylands farming methods used by T.L. & D., which operated until 1956. Winfield Holbrook was the vice president and general manager; W.J. Klinger, secretary-treasurer; D.D. Bowman and W.F. Lowe, farm superintendents. Mary L. Cox, of the staff, wrote local history. (1973)

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Schick Opera House — steps away
• Plainview Daily Herald — steps away
• Colonel C. C. Slaughter — steps away
• The Old MacKenzie Trail — steps away