Written by Ashley Rogers, Director of Public Relations, on February 15, 2026
Photos Provided by Beth Evans-Smith
Did You Know?
America’s first president, George Washington, was an avid farmer. In fact, as many as 16 U.S. Presidents had deep roots in agriculture and often credited their farming backgrounds for shaping their character, discipline, and work ethic while in office. President Washington once said, “I know of no pursuit in which more real and important services can be rendered to any country than by improving its agriculture, its breed of useful animals, and other branches of a husbandman’s cares.”
For early American leaders, farming wasn’t simply an occupation — it was a responsibility. It required patience, resilience, stewardship, and a long-term vision for the future. The same land that fed their families also shaped their leadership…and their legacy. And those same principles still matter today. Read more about some of America’s “Founding Farmers” here.
Visit Farm Policy Facts for more presidential quotes on agriculture!
Deep Roots at Greensport
Here at Greensport RV Park and Marina, we are proud to be part of an Alabama Bicentennial Farm, with the 8th generation of the Evans family continuing the legacy on this very property.
Long before welcoming RV travelers and families making memories by the water, this land was rooted in agriculture, innovation, and stewardship. Generations worked this soil, cared for it, and passed it down with intent. Not only was this property a farm, but it was originally the site of a port housing “Green’s Ferry.” This was named after Jacob Green, a young soldier in the War of 1812 and American Revolutionary War, who received this farmland and operated the ferry across the Coosa River. During this time, there was no lake here on this portion of the Coosa River, but a winding portion of the river through the property welcomed riverboats and others seeking passage across the river. In fact, soldiers from the War of 1812 and the Civil War are known to have crossed the Coosa River here. You can learn more about this rich history here.
Beth Evans-Smith, daughter of David Evans Jr., still lives on the property at Greensport. She shared these photos to showcase portions of the well-documented history of the property and its vast importance to the area.
David Evans Sr. and David Evans Jr., were the last two men to operate the ferry at Greensport, until the 1950’s. Along with operating the ferry, the family continued to farm and primarily produce beef. This continues today with David Evans III, his wife Stephanie, and their two sons Quade and Josiah. They manage to raise cattle, Quarter Horses, and an impressive herd of Mammoth Jackstock Donkeys… a heritage breed of large donkey that can be seen at various places around the Greensport property. In addition to the continued farming legacy, the family owns and operates the beloved Greensport RV Park and Marina situated along the portion of the Coosa River now known as Neely Henry Lake.
Leadership Begins with Stewardship
There’s a reason so many early presidents came from farming backgrounds.
Farming and agriculture teaches lessons that leadership requires:
- Hard work when no one is watching
- Patience through changing seasons
- Responsibility for resources entrusted to you
- Planning not just for today, but for generations to come
These are the same values that helped shape our nation — and they continue to guide us here at Greensport. Without the hard work of those who were stewards of this land, the farm, RV Park, Marina, and plentiful natural resources here would not be what they are.
Read more about David Evans Jr. and his unique legacy here.
The Vision of the Greensport1820 Foundation
To ensure this robust legacy continues, the Greensport1820 Foundation, Inc. was created to honor Alabama’s rich agricultural heritage and to invest in the future of our community.
Our Purpose
The Greensport1820 Foundation exists to:
- Promote agricultural awareness, education, and community engagement by developing and supporting programs that increase public understanding of agriculture, agribusiness, and sustainable rural practices.
- Organize and host educational events, workshops, and outreach activities that provide hands-on learning experiences related to farming, conservation, and natural resource stewardship.
- Advance agritourism initiatives that connect the public with agricultural heritage, encourage environmental appreciation, and contribute to local economic development through educational tourism and community-based events.
- Support continuing education in agriculture and related fields by providing scholarship opportunities to individuals pursuing academic or vocational studies that advance agricultural knowledge, sustainability, and rural community development.
This mission reflects the very values that shaped both our land and many of our nation’s early leaders — stewardship, responsibility, and a commitment to future generations.
We are not just preserving history — we are planting seeds that will last.
Honoring the Past. Growing the Future.
This President’s Day, we celebrate more than leadership in office. We celebrate the character built in fields, barns, and farmhouses across America.
From the plow to the presidency, agriculture helped shape our nation.
And right here at Greensport, those roots continue to guide our mission.
Through the Greensport1820 Foundation, we are honoring the past, investing in the present, and planting seeds that will last for generations to come.
Get Involved: Help Us Plant Seeds for the Future
If you or your organization would be interested in sponsoring or donating to the Greensport1820 Foundation, your support will directly impact hands-on agricultural education in our community.
One of our signature initiatives is our Second Annual Pioneer Day on May 1st — a free educational event for local elementary school students. This interactive experience brings Alabama’s agricultural heritage to life through live demonstrations, hands-on learning, and immersive history.
Students will be able to interact with and explore:
- Alabama’s agricultural past, present, and future
- Farming practices and conservation efforts
- The importance of sustainability and natural resource stewardship
- Career pathways in agriculture and related industries
The Third Annual Rodeo and Rhythm, Celebration of America’s 250th Birthday, and Little Tomatina are other public events held at Greensport through the year that aim to bring our community together, foster patriotism and pride in our roots, and create connections that help us all grow into the future.
Our goal is simple: ignite a passion in young people to pursue future careers in agriculture and rural industries.
Join Us in Growing Something That Lasts
This President’s Day, as we reflect on the farming roots that shaped our nation’s leaders, we invite you to be part of continuing that legacy here at Greensport.
Together, we can honor the past, strengthen our community, and plant seeds that will last for generations to come.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or how to give, contact us at
as****@**************rk.com or call (205) 505-0027.
Follow us on all social media platforms to learn more about what we are doing with the Greensport1820 Foundation, see our “Loving Local” community shout-outs, keep track of upcoming events and workshops, and get to know all of our team at Greensport RV Park and Marina.
Greensport is located in Ashville, Alabama, only a short drive from Gadsden and Birmingham.
