Smiley-Woodfin Native Prairie Grassland

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. (1981)

Smiley-Woodfin Native Prairie Grassland is a historical marker in Brookston, Lamar County, dedicated in 1981. It is one of 46 historical markers documented in Lamar County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 89 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 33.6426, -95.7068 near Brookston. The nearest cataloged historic site is Tridens Prairie (historical marker), about 0.5 miles away. Others within a short drive include State Highway Bridge 5 at Big Pine Creek (Gone), State Highway 5 Bridge at High Creek (Gone), and Lamar County.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5277008227. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.