Vallejo’s History and Why We’re Proud to Serve the Vallejo Community
General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo received the Rancho Soscol land grant in 1844 and attempted to establish the city of Vallejo as California’s state capital. The legislature briefly met there in 1852 but moved due to unfinished buildings.
In 1852 the U.S. Navy purchased Mare Island and established the first naval base on the Pacific Coast. Captain David Farragut oversaw initial operations at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard, which would shape Vallejo’s economy for more than a century.
The California Pacific Railroad connected Vallejo to Sacramento in 1867, sparking a real‑estate boom, and Vallejo incorporated in 1868. During World War II the shipyard expanded and drew thousands of workers, leading to the construction of neighborhoods and civic buildings.
Today Vallejo has about 124,637 residents, a median household income of $89,496 and a diverse population. Mare Island has been redeveloped with housing and light industry, and the city boasts waterfront parks and a ferry to San Francisco. We’re proud to serve Vallejo’s vibrant community.