Vallejo, California

Located in Solano County, California, Vallejo was established in 1851. Vallejo was California's state capital — for about one week in 1851. Mare Island Naval Shipyard was the first U.S. Navy base on the Pacific Coast, operating for 142 years.

Founded 1851 | Population 118,837 | Peak 118,837 (2024) | County Solano County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Vallejo, California

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1851Brief State Capital: Serves as California's capital for one week.

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1854Mare Island Naval Shipyard: First U.S. Navy base on Pacific Coast established.

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1942WWII Shipbuilding: Mare Island builds submarines and ships for war effort.

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1996Mare Island Closes: Naval shipyard closes after 142 years; economic devastation.

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2008City Declares Bankruptcy: Vallejo becomes largest CA city to file bankruptcy.

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2015Recovery: City emerges from bankruptcy; bay area housing prices bring new residents.

Complete Historical Timeline

1851 Government

Brief State Capital

1854 Government

Mare Island Naval Shipyard

1942 Industry

WWII Shipbuilding

1996 Government

Mare Island Closes

2008 Business

City Declares Bankruptcy

2015 Business

Recovery

Did You Know?

Vallejo was California's state capital — for about one week in 1851.

Mare Island Naval Shipyard was the first U.S. Navy base on the Pacific Coast, operating for 142 years.

Vallejo was the largest California city to declare bankruptcy in 2008.

Vallejo is located in Solano County, California.

Vallejo has a population of approximately 118,837.

Famous People from Vallejo, California

Jeff Gordon

Sports Commentator, Racing Automobile Driver · Born Aug 4, 1971 · Age 54

April Bowlby

Actor, Television Actor · Born Jul 30, 1980 · Age 45

H.E.R.

Composer, Singer · Born Jun 27, 1997 · Age 28

Natalie Coughlin

Swimmer · Born Aug 23, 1982 · Age 43

Monique Alexander

Actor, Pornographic Actor · Born May 26, 1982 · Age 43