WVU Organic Research Project

February 1915, in a bid to keep the University located in Morgantown, WVU president Trotter encouraged Monongalia County to raise $75000 for land purchases for the college of agriculture. The legislature then approved funds for new buildings, including the College of Agriculture building (Olgebay Hall), and the university remained in Morgantown. The farm of C.R. Wilbourne, 62.67 acres, was purchased for horticulture ($9400) in 1916. Since its purchase the farm has been host to a variety of research projects. These projects have included work with tree fruits, blueberries, strawberries, brambles, potatoes, vegetable crops and grapes. The disciplines of horticulture, plant pathology, entomology, and soil microbiology have been involved with these projects over the years. The farm housed a greenhouse in the 1960's and 1970's. The new farm barn/office building was built in the 1980's.