White-Plumb Farm Learning Center

Congress enacted the Timber Culture Act of 1873, a follow up to the Homestead Act. Through the Timber Culture Act, homesteaders could qualify for an additional 160 acres of land if they planted at least 1/4th of the property with trees. By the time Charles A. White established his tree claim in 1881, only ten acres of trees were required to be planted. White planted ash and cottonwood trees bordering each side of his property. The home originally cost $2,500 and was designed by Bessie Smith, Greeley’s first female architect.

The family raised farm animals and grew alfalfa, sugar beets, seed potatoes and beans, and other vegetables on the farm. In 1983, the descendants of Charles White donated 2.5 acres of the original tree claim to the City of Greeley for historical, cultural and museum use.