Grassyfork Fisheries was established in 1899 by Eugene Shireman in Martinsville, Indiana.

Shireman inherited swampy land in Martinsville that was ill-suited for farming and at the time goldfish were gaining popularity within the United States. The first goldfish had arrived from China around 20 years prior and there were limited sources within the United States.

In 1902, Shireman purchased 200 breeding goldfish to start his farm. He then sold the offspring to businesses and retail stores. He had success and was able to purchase surrounding farmland to expand his business.

Grassyfork Fisheries became one of the largest goldfish hatcheries in the world and put Martinsville, Indiana on the map with the nickname of "Goldfish Capitol of the World."

Shireman ran the farm until the 1940s, when Standley Byrum took over the business. In 1970, Byrum sold Grassyfork to Ozark Fisheries where the farm still continued to produce and sell millions of fish every year.

In 2012, the Morgan County Historical Preservation Society worked to have the historic Grassyfork office building listed on the National Register of historic places and the building was restored by a local Martinsville businessman.

In 2012, the Morgan County Historical Preservation Society worked to have the historic Grassyfork office building listed on the National Register of historic places and the building was restored by a local Martinsville businessman.