Late 1700s

​

All land in Madison County, including the parcel that eventually became Orleton Farms, was part of the Virginia Military District. The land was considered among the finest in the state1 and was awarded to Virginia soldiers as compensation for their service in the Revolutionary War. Any soldier who held a warrant could choose land wherever he pleased within this district.2 These veterans and their descendants farmed the land for generations.

 

Early to Mid-1900s

​

In the early twentieth century, Foster B. Houston of South Charleston, Ohio, initially developed the 4,844 acres of land that would become Orleton Farms. It was acquired by Prudential Insurance Company and became known as Orleton Farms4 when it changed hands again in 1933 and was purchased by Miss Mary E. Johnston of Cincinnati.3 It later passed to Johnston’s nephew, John Sawyer.5

 

The farm was a prosperous agricultural pioneer for much of its history.6 Originally established as a Hereford cattle farm, it eventually expanded into other types of livestock and crops and brought new business methods to farming.7 The farm provided housing, a garden, and a Christmas bonus for employees which allowed them to purchase beef, hogs, eggs, and milk.8 Many distinguished visitors stayed in Orleton House and visited the farm, from British aristocracy to students from both The Ohio State University and abroad.9

 

Guests were treated to eggs, milk, cream beef, and corn -- all raised on the farm.10 Orleton House hosted numerous wedding receptions and anniversary parties. At one time, the Madison County Mental Health Center, which offered classes and counseling to community members, was located on-site.11 And, in November 1949, during a routine drain tile installation, a mastodon was found on site!12

 

In 1968, a documentary about the role of Orleton Farms and the U.S. in the agricultural education of Japan was produced by a Japanese-directed film crew.13 The farm also faced struggles. Blizzards and fire befell the farm, but the community always rallied to help rebuild, highlighting the spirit of camaraderie that is the hallmark of rural communities in times of need.

 

1970s into 2000s

​

Orleton Farms continued to innovate and evolve. By 1977, cattle operations ceased, and more crops were grown. The decade-long tradition of summer hoeing jobs for kids ended with the advent of chemicals to control weeds. In 2007, a Concentrated Animal Feed Operation (CAFO) proposal was submitted by the Dutch owners of the farm to the Ohio Department of Agriculture.15 This large-scale dairy proposed 5,428 cows, but that never materialized because conservationists argued runoff from the manure16 would pollute the Darby River tributaries.  In 2009, Midwest Farms purchased the land.17

 

Today

​

The evolution and innovation of the land continue as Oak Run Solar Project is poised to unite farming and renewable energy with the proposal of agrivoltaics.