Coker Experimental Farms facts for kids
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Coker Experimental Farms
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Coker Experimental Farms
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 Location in South Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Hartsville, South Carolina |
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| Area | 145 acres (59 ha) |
| Built | 1902 |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000706 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | July 19, 1964 |
Coker Experimental Farms, also known as Coker Pedigreed Seed Company, is a special farm in Hartsville, South Carolina, USA. It's recognized as a National Historic Landmark because of its important history.
This farm is now a museum. It was once where David R. Coker did amazing work. He ran important experiments to make cotton and other crops grow better. His work helped farmers all over the American South. Coker also helped create special services to teach farmers new methods. The farm was named a National Historic Landmark in 1964.
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Discovering Better Crops at Coker Farms
The Coker family owned many farms around Hartsville, South Carolina. David R. Coker started his experiments at their main farm. He used new ideas about how plants pass on their traits. These ideas were first found by Gregor Mendel in the 1860s.
How David Coker Improved Plants
Coker's first goal was to grow better cotton. He wanted cotton with longer fibers. He also wanted plants that could fight off diseases and pests. Later, he worked on other crops too. He helped improve oats and tobacco.
David Coker was a big help to farmers in the South. He taught them new farming methods. These lessons were part of "agricultural extension services." These services share new farming knowledge with farmers.
By 1963, more than half of the cotton grown in the South came from Coker's special seeds. A large part of the oat and tobacco crops also came from his improved seeds.
A Historic Farm Site
The Coker farm was named a National Historic Landmark in 1964. This was because it changed farming in the South so much. The original landmark area was about 220 acres. It included farm buildings from the 1930s.
Changes to the Farm Over Time
Over the years, some parts of the farm changed. By the 1990s, some old farm buildings were taken down. New buildings were built on parts of the land. Because of these changes, the landmark area was made smaller. It is now about 145 acres.
Today, a smaller part of the farmland remains. A museum shaped like a barn has been built there. This museum helps visitors learn about the farm's history. It shows how important David Coker's work was for farming.
