First Successful Introduction of the Honeybee to California

California State Historic Landmark 945

Plaque exists. No site exists. Landmark location.

Plaque Photo:


02/20/96
#945 First Honeybees in California
Here, on the 1,939-acre Rancho Potrero de Santa Clara, Christopher A. Shelton in early March 1853 introduced the honeybee to California. In Aspinwall, Panama, Shelton purchased 12 beehives from a New Yorker and transported them by rail, "Bongo" pack mule, and steamship to San Francisco. Only enough bees survived to fill one hive, but these quickly propagated, laying the foundation for California's modern beekeeping industry.

Site Photo:

No site exists.
Nothing remains of this site.

Location:

San Jose Municipal Airport, in front of Terminal C, 1661 Airport Blvd, San Jose.

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