#945 First Successful Introduction of the Honeybee to California, San Jose

  1. Santa Clara County

2/20/1996

Landmark information

  • Location:
    San Jose International Airport, in front of Military Lounge, 1701 Airport Blvd Suite B1270, San Jose
  • Plaque:
    Official State Plaque
  • Site:
    Nothing Remains
  • Date First Visited:
    2/20/1996
  • Date Most Recently Visited:
    2/20/1996
  • GPS Coordinates:
    N 37 22.037, W 121 55.607

About this landmark

Plaque text:

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.