University of California Experimental Farm, Wolfskill Grant

The bronze makes John Wolfskill the arrival of 1842, and the grant was his brother's. Governor Juan Bautista Alvarado granted four square leagues on Putah Creek to William Wolfskill in May 1842, and John came north that July with cattle and a satchel of cuttings; the land stayed in William's name until 1849. Local legend has John wanting only as much as he could ride across between sunup and sundown. The olive trees he planted line the entrance. His daughter Frances left 107 acres to the university, now UC Davis's Wolfskill Experimental Orchards.

What the plaque says

University of California Experimental Farm Wolfskill Grant In 1842 John R. Wolfskill arrived here laden with fruit seeds and cuttings. He was a true horticulturist and became the father of the fruit industry in this region. In 1937 Mrs. Frances Wolfskill Taylor Wilson, his daughter, bequeathed 107.28 acres to the University of California for an experimental farm. From this portion of Rancho Rio de los Putos the University's research has since enriched the state's horticultural industry. California Registered Historical Landmark No. 804 Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Solano County Historical Society. May 30, 1966

Where it stands

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