The Dutch colonial government had full control over the region of Deli by 1876. Since then, the European planters expanded their operations from Deli into the neighbouring areas, including Serdang and Langkat. The Greahan Estate, located in the district of Serdang, was four miles from the railway station of Bangun Purba and some six hundred and fifty feet above sea-level. The Sultan of Serdang had leased the land to the planters. The major crop grown here was Liberian coffee, which eventually made way for Para rubber plants planted from 1903 onwards.
