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The history of Vallejo
Vallejo's downtown, Mare Island and culturally diverse neighborhoods give the North Bay city a character all its own.
People who shaped Vallejo
These milestones are an introduction, not a complete local history. Follow the linked city and museum sources to explore the people and places behind them.Read the local historical account.
Watch the city’s history
FROM THE ARCHIVES
The history of Vallejo, California
A local history film shared by World History Official tv.
Watch on YouTube ↗Famous people born in Vallejo
See all 48 famous people
- 1851
California's planned capital
California selected Vallejo as the site of the state capital.
Vallejo city reference ↗ - 1852
The legislature convenes
California's legislature met in Vallejo for the first time.
Vallejo city reference ↗ - 1868
City incorporation
Vallejo incorporated as a California city.
Vallejo city reference ↗ - 1996
Mare Island closes
Mare Island Naval Shipyard closed after more than a century of operation.
Vallejo city reference ↗ - 2011
Bankruptcy exit
A federal judge released Vallejo from Chapter 9 bankruptcy after nearly three years.
Vallejo city reference ↗
See the history for yourself.
Walk the Vallejo Old City Historic District, a National Register district around Sonoma Boulevard and York Street. Check current opening hours before visiting the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum.
For deeper research, the Vallejo library resources is a starting point for archival material and research help. Historic photographs have their own permissions; we link to the collection instead of treating every old image as free to reuse.
Selected milestones researched September 13, 2026. This is an introduction, not a complete account of the city’s history.