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| Landmark #804 | Solano County | Visited: Sept. 25, 2014 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
| What is it? | An experimental farm owned by the University of California, Davis Department of Pomology! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: In 1842, John R. Wolfskill arrived here, laden with fruit seeds and cuttings. A true horticulturist, he became the father of the fruit industry in this region. In 1937 his daughter, Mrs. Frances Wolfskill Taylor Wilson, bequeathed 107.28 acres to the University of California for an experimental farm. The university’s research at this portion of Rancho Río de los Putos has enriched the state’s horticultural industry.
OTHER TIDBITS: John’s brother, William Wolfskill, received this grant 7 years before the US took over California, and while it was a little small, Mr. Wolfskill just wanted enough land that he could ride across in one day. Interestingly enough, when the US did take over, Mr. Wolfskill had to tackle the same land reform issues as his Californio counterparts, but he was fortunate enough to be able to transfer ownership to his brother, John! John Wolfskill planted fig, olive and hickory trees, barley, corn, beans and grapevines, to show that they could all do very well in the Sacramento Valley! He made a killing selling produce and his famous beef jerky to miners during the Gold Rush, but he never refused food to someone in need! Warm-hearted, John married widow Carmelita Knight and cared for her 8 children long after she died six years later! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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| Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: University of California Experimental Farm Putah Creek Rd 1.5 mi SW of Winters, CA 95694 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~421mi (678km) — 7.1hrs |
| When should I go? | You can visit the plaque whenever you like, but you have to be affiliated with UC Davis to tour the grounds! |