Historical Markers in
Yolo County, California

After a Fire, the City of Davis is Created Briggs Reservoir Bryte Capay Cemetery Capital Hotel, Est. 1869 China Town begins Corner Drug Company Building Cradwick Building Davis Cemetery Veterans Memorial Davis Cooperative Centennial, 1887-1987 Davis Library Building Davis Subway Dresbach-Hunt-Boyer Mansion Early Settlement First Bicycle Lanes in Davis First Pacific Coast Salmon Cannery First Train Arrives in Davisville Flood Control Freeman Park Gable Mansion Hesperian College 1861-1896 Historic City Hall Hotel De Vilbiss Hydraulic Mining Influences on the River J. Robert Chapman Memorial Bridge Knights Landing Krellenberg Building Lake Spafford Leonidas Taylor Lincoln Highway Marker Lincoln Highway Marker Main and Second Street 1920’s Old Davis High School Original railroad Pony Express Bridge Remembering the Terminal Hotel Building Richard E. Lyng Rumsey Sacramento Skyline Salmon Cannery Site of Byron Jackson’s First Machine Shop Site of the First Yolo County Public Library Branch Site of the Jerome C. and Mary Chiles Davis Homestead Solano House SP Depot The Bentley House The Capay-Langville School The Gibson House The Rivers’ Flow The Township of Washington The Woodland Opera House Tower Bridge Vaca Valley Railroad Varsity Theatre Veterans Plaza West Capital Raceway Woodland begins Woodland's First Post Office Yolo County Courthouse Yolo County Courthouse Yolo County Savings Bank Yolo County War Memorial
The first drive-in movie theater in the world was opened in California in 1933. The theater, called the Drive-In Theatre, was located in Camden, New Jersey. However, the drive-in movie theater became more popular in California and eventually spread across the country.
California random facts
Yolo County, located in the Sacramento Valley of California, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Patwin people, who lived off the land and thrived in harmony with nature. In the 19th century, however, the arrival of European settlers brought significant changes to the area.

In the early 1800s, Spanish explorers began to traverse the Sacramento Valley, including present-day Yolo County. During this time, the region became a part of Mexico and was eventually ceded to the United States as a result of the Mexican-American War. Following the California Gold Rush in 1849, many people flocked to the area in search of fortune, leading to the establishment of small settlements and ranches throughout Yolo County.

The county was officially formed in 1850, named after the Yolan Native American tribe. Agriculture quickly became the backbone of Yolo County's economy, with settlers cultivating crops such as wheat, barley, and fruit orchards. The advent of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted agricultural production in the area, allowing for greater transportation and export opportunities.

Over the years, Yolo County has continued to thrive agriculturally, producing a variety of crops including tomatoes, almonds, and wine grapes. Additionally, the county has embraced its natural beauty by preserving open spaces and establishing parks, providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Today, Yolo County remains a vibrant, diverse community that celebrates its heritage while embracing progress and innovation.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Yolo County, California.

  • 1835 - Yolo County is established as part of Mexican land grants.
  • 1843 - Captain John Shaw explores the area and surveys the Sacramento Valley.
  • 1849 - Gold rush leads to an influx of settlers in the region.
  • 1850 - Yolo County is officially formed from parts of Colusa and Solano Counties.
  • 1857 - The county seat is moved to Woodland.
  • 1869 - The UC Davis campus is established in Davis.
  • 1881 - The Southern Pacific Railroad reaches the county, stimulating economic growth.
  • 1916 - The Yolo Bypass is completed, providing flood control and irrigation for the region.
  • 1966 - Cache Creek Casino Resort opens, becoming a major tourist attraction.
  • 1992 - The Yolo County Historical Museum is established in Woodland.