University of California Foothill Field Station
1888 – 1903
The Foothill Station became the first University of California qualifying outlying station funded jointly by federal, state and local county sources in March 1888. The station was developed under the patronage of Senator A. Caminetti of Jackson. Over $5,000 was contributed by Amador County residents to clear the land, built irrigation systems, road, and buildings.
Land was selected by E. W. Hilgard, Professor of Agriculture and Director of Experiment Stations. Four and one half miles east of Jackson, thirty-three acres were donated by the McKay Trabuccola and Oneto Families, and Senator Boggs of Colusa. By 1890 over 600 varieties of cultivated plants were established.
Wines from station-owned grapes were systematically compared with wines produced elsewhere in the state. Grain forage crops and many tree fruit and nut varieties were also studied. The Foothill Station remained open for fourteen years until November 1, 1903 when the variety evaluation work was completed.
Dedicated Saturday May 21, 1988 in recognition of 100 years of shared federal, state and local government funding of agricultural research in California.
Marker can be reached from State Highway 49.
Courtesy hmdb.org
