Edenvale in San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Keesling’s Shade Trees

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, January 25, 2012

1. Keesling’s Shade Trees Marker

Inscription. The Northern California Black Walnut trees seen along this highway owe their existence to horticulturist Horace G. Keesling of San José. While passing this way by camp wagon on a blistering summer day in 1900, Keesling could find no roadside tree offering enough shade to relieve his sweltering family and horses. Where-upon, he resolved to “plant shade” - at his own expense.

The result was a 30-mile row of trees on each side of the road from San José to Gilroy, a project that Keesling, assisted by his son Hayes, finished in 1911. And except for stretches where urban growth and modern highway construction have demanded removal, these trees still serve the purpose for which they were planted.

Erected 1985 by California Pioneers of Santa Clara County and E Clampus Vitus, Mountain Charlie Chapter No. 1850. (Marker Number SCL-056.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Horticulture & Forestry. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus, and the Historic Trees series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.

Location. 37° 16.388′ N, 121° 49.826′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in Edenvale. It is on Monterey Road (California Route

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82) just north of Skyway Drive, on the right when traveling south. This marker is located between Monterey Road and the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Jose CA 95111, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area,

in Silicon Valley,

and on the Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Frontier Village (approx. 0.7 miles away); Hayes Mansion (approx. 0.9 miles away); a different marker also named Hayes Mansion (approx. 0.9 miles away); History of Vieira Park (approx. 2 miles away); IBM Building 025 (approx. 2.1 miles away); George Donner, Jr. (approx. 2.2 miles away); Dr. John Townsend (approx. 2.3 miles away); Jean Jacques Vioget (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Jose.

Additional commentary.
1. Questions
Where did his son get his name? And weren't the Hayes’ involved in purchase or funding of Keeslings planting efforts? Where did the water come from? Where did he get funds to do this?

— Submitted April 13, 2025, by James Black of San Juan Bautista, California.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, January 25, 2012

2. Keesling’s Shade Trees Marker

The Keesling’s Shade Trees image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 2, 2012

3. The Keesling’s Shade Trees

Credits. This page was last revised on April 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 2,408 times since then and 99 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 2, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.