Wednesday – Saturday | 8 AM – 1 PM
About Us
Rooted in History, Growing for the Future
What is now Boggy Creek Farm in Austin, Texas is a testament to resilience, passion, and pioneering spirit. Built in 1841, the modified Greek Revival farmhouse has witnessed nearly two centuries of Texas history. For over 100 years the property served as a working farm, but by the 1990s, the farmhouse and surrounding land had fallen into disrepair and dereliction. A ghost of its former self, this is where our story begins.
Pioneering Urban Farming
Boggy Creek Farm is more than just a farm; it’s a living piece of Texas history. Nestled in East Austin, our farmhouse was built in 1841, making it one of the oldest homes in the city. For nearly a century, the property operated as a working farm and even welcomed guests like Sam Houston when he was president of the Republic of Texas.
In the summer of 1992, Larry Butler and Carol Ann Sayle discovered the property in foreclosure. The land was overgrown, the farmhouse roof had collapsed, and trash covered the grounds. Others may have seen ruin, but the couple saw potential. They purchased the property and dedicated themselves to restoring both the land and its historic home.
Together, Carol Ann and Larry poured their energy into restoring the land and preserving the rich heritage of the farmhouse. By February 1993, the farm was fully restored and open for business. Inspired by the nearby creek and a 150-year-old well cover etched with the same name, they named their new property Boggy Creek Farm.
Carol Ann and Larry introduced their produce to Austinites the grassroots way, selling from a card table outside of Wiggy’s liquor store on West 6th Street. The response was enthusiastic, and before long, they were selling at Austin’s first farmers market. Next, Carol Ann and Larry shifted their focus to selling directly from the farm. The Boggy Creek Farm Stand, one of Austin’s first, was born, and still operates today, offering fresh, locally grown produce weekly in the heart of East Austin.
After 26 years of farming together, Larry passed away in 2018. Just before his death, Carol Ann and Larry’s daughter, Tracy, left her job as a dental hygienist to join the farm full-time. Today, Tracy and her son Jack continue the work Larry helped start, keeping the legacy of Boggy Creek Farm alive and thriving.
Boggy Creek Farm is more than a source of fresh produce; it’s a living museum. It became one of the first urban farms in the United States, making Larry and Carol Ann true pioneers. The farmhouse stands as a testament to Austin’s agrarian roots, while the farm itself remains dedicated to no-till, regenerative practices and community education. Through generations of care, hard work, and a commitment to local, sustainable agriculture, Boggy Creek Farm remains a cherished part of Austin’s identity, connecting people to their food, history, and the land itself.
