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Vacaville, California

Situated halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento along I-80, Vacaville was founded as an agricultural community and became famous for its fruit orchards and the Nut Tree restaurant, a beloved roadside attraction for decades. Today it's a growing suburban city that blends small-town character with proximity to two major metros.
Founded 1851 | Population 107,500 | Peak 107,500 (2024) | County Solano County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Vacaville, California

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1851Founded: William McDaniel settled the area, naming it for Juan Manuel Vaca who held the original Mexican land grant.
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1892Fruit Industry: Vacaville became a major fruit-shipping center, with orchards producing peaches, cherries, and almonds.
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1921Nut Tree: The Nut Tree fruit stand opened, eventually becoming one of California's most famous roadside attractions.
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1942Travis AFB Nearby: Travis Air Force Base was established nearby, becoming one of the largest military airlift bases in the country.
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2006Suburban Growth: Vacaville experienced rapid residential growth as Bay Area commuters sought affordable housing along the I-80 corridor.
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Complete Historical Timeline

1851 Culture
Founded
1892 Business
Fruit Industry
1921 Culture
Nut Tree
1942 Government
Travis AFB Nearby
2006 Culture
Suburban Growth

Did You Know?

1
Vacaville means 'Cow Town.'.
2
Nut Tree was one of CA's most famous roadside stops.
3
Between Sacramento and Bay Area on I-80.
4
Vacaville is located in Solano County, California.
5
Vacaville was founded in 1851.

Famous People from Vacaville, California

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Bonnie McKee
Actor, Composer · Born Jan 20, 1984 · Age 42
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Tawny Newsome
Writer, Comedian · Born Feb 24, 1983 · Age 43
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Willis Linn Jepson
Botanical Collector, Botanist · Born Aug 19, 1867 · Died Nov 7, 1946 (age 79)
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