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Quick History of Dixon, California

Dixon is a small city in Northern California that experienced its first boom during the Gold Rush. The city was founded by William Dixon, and named after him. However, it's not all history up until this point - today Dixon has an estimated population of over 18,000 people!


This article will go over some quick history about Dixon and introduce you to what makes this place so special. We'll also talk about what you can do around the area if you're looking for something fun to do on your next visit!


Dixon is a city located in northern California. It's close to Vacaville and Winters but even more popular are its surrounding cities, Davis which houses the UC-Davis campus as well as Sacramento where the state capital building resides.

Quick History of Dixon, California

Quick History of Dixon

The first semi-permanent European settlement in the region that would later become Dixon was created during California's Gold Rush of the mid-nineteenth century. A town named Silveyville, which served as a popular stop for gold miners on their way to and from Sacramento, arose at this time.


  • In 1868, the Central Pacific Railroad came through without stopping near Silveyville; however, five years later it arrived with an official station there.

  • The Dixon Methodist Church was one of the earliest structures to be built after Silveyville city relocated closer to railroad tracks in 1871. This church is located at 209 N Jefferson Street and it stands as a testimony that despite being moved, this community still remains strong today.

  • The railroad tracks and Interstate-80 have been the main foundation of Dixon, CA for decades following their installation.

  • The town was originally named "Dicksville" after Thomas Dickson gave 10 acres of his land to construct a train depot.

  • When Silveyville got connected by rail in 1872, they weren't aware that someone else had already laid claim to this name so shipped with an incorrect label saying “Dixon” instead—a mistake which stuck ever since because it's easier than spelling out “Silveyville."

  • At one point up until recently, most developments happened between these two rigid boundaries set by trains and cars but now there are plans underway to make use of vacant lots along I-80 as well.

  • Dixon city is a hub for miles of grain, alfalfa, and dairy farming in California. They also have a long history with the sheep industry hosting an annual LambTown festival every year which hosts food stalls from different countries around the world.

  • The town has been home to many famous people such as actor Randy Quaid who was raised there before moving away at age 16 when his father got transferred to work in Santa Barbara's oil fields.

  • Dixon City was incorporated back in 1878 and today it acts like one big community where you will find farmers growing grains including wheat, rye canola, sunflower, corn, etc. Llamas, or Alpacas are bred here too but this time not just by local breeders because they export.


There are so many things to do in Dixon, California! The city is home to gorgeous parks where people can hang out with friends and family. These places have a range of programs for both adults and children on a regular basis. There are also excellent restaurants serving delicious traditional or continental food that you can try while visiting. If shopping's your thing then there are retail arcades perfect for buying stuff like clothes and accessories too!



Dixon, California is blessed with some of the area’s most interesting and historically significant attractions. Here’s a list of some of our favorites:


  • Bohart Museum of Entomology

  • Putah Creek Riparian Reserve

  • Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology

  • Cool Patch Pumpkins

  • The Häagen-Dazs Honey Bee Haven

  • Berryessa Brewing Co.

  • Manetti Shrem Museum

  • UC Davis Arboretum


All of these wonderful points of interest are located just a short distance from our central location at 1150 North 1st Street in Dixon! Stop by for a visit anytime!

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