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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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1851 Founded: William McDaniel settled the area, naming it for Juan Manuel Vaca who held the original Mexican land grant.

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1892 Fruit Industry: Vacaville became a major fruit-shipping center, with orchards producing peaches, cherries, and almonds.

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1921 Nut Tree: The Nut Tree fruit stand opened, eventually becoming one of California's most famous roadside attractions.

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1942 Travis AFB Nearby: Travis Air Force Base was established nearby, becoming one of the largest military airlift bases in the country.

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2006 Suburban 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

BM

Bonnie McKee

Actor, Composer · Born Jan 20, 1984 · Age 42

TN

Tawny Newsome

Writer, Comedian · Born Feb 24, 1983 · Age 43

WJ

Willis Linn Jepson

Botanical Collector, Botanist · Born Aug 19, 1867 · Died Nov 7, 1946 (age 79)

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