History of Stockton, California, USA

1854 - Stockton
Stockton, a post-town and capital of San Joaquin county, California, is situated on a slough or channel of its own name, about 3 miles from its junction with the San Joaquin river. This place, one of the most important in the state, is on the main road from Sacramento city to Los Angeles, about 125 miles E. S. E. from Benicia. It was first settled in 1844 by C. M. Weber, but was abandoned by him in 1846. In 1848 a settlement was successfully established, and since that time its growth has been rapid. The channel is navigable for steamboats and vessels of 400 tons burthen at all seasons, affording a ready communication with the Pacific. A hospital is erecting at Stockton, which will be an ornament to the state. The town is a place of great activity and a depot for the southern mines. Resident population, about 4000, which is some times increased by a floating population to 6000 or 8000.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1879 - HAVOC IN A CROWD. TERRIBLE LOSS OF LIFE CAUSED BY A CALIFORNIAN ENGINEER'S STUPIDITY.
San Francisco, February 22. - A terrific explosion took place today of El Dorado Street, Stockton. A crowd of more than two hundred people had assembled to witness the trial of a new propeller pump set in Stockton Slough and run by a threshing engine. Those who stood near were prostrated. The body of the engineer was blown a distance of 150 feet through the crowd. Ten or twelve dead bodies lay in one heap at the northwest corner of the bridge. Others were strewn dead and drying on the street, blown from fifty to one hundred feet. The heads of some were blown to pieces. Others were blown to the ground with such force as to break every bone in their bodies. Faces, hands and whole persons were steamed in dirt, smoke and cinders. The wounded were promptly cared for and the dead were left undisturbed until the excitement of the moment had subsided, when they were removed to the coroner's office.

The explosion was the result of recklessness on the part of the engineer. The steam-gauge... Read MORE...

1895 - Stockton
Stockton, a city of California, and the capital of San Joaquin co., is situated on the Central Pacific Railroad, in an extensive fertile plain (a part of the great central valley of California), 48 miles S. by E. of Sacramento, and 1: miles E. by N. of San Francisco. It is about 3 miles E. of the San Joaquin River, with which it is connected by * navigable channel. Lat. 37° 56' N.; lon. 121° 14' W. Two" lines of steamboats ply daily between Stockton and San Francisco. Stockton contains a fine granite court-house costing (1891) $350,000, 13 churches, a Jewish synagogue, 2 theatres, a national gold bank, 2 other banks, a saving: bank, a branch of the banking-house of Wells, Fargo & Co., a paper-mill, a woollen-mill, 4 flour-mills with a daily capacity each of about 1500 barrels of flour, 2 tannerie, 2 foundries, 3 planing-mills, extensive manufactures of farming-implements, wheels, street-cars, pottery (with a specialty of colored ware in fine goods and sanitary crocks), carriages,... Read MORE...

1906
Stockton, a city, capital of San Joaquin co., Cal., is situated on the Southern Pacific R. and the Atchinson, Topeka and Santa Fe Coast Line, in an extensive fertile plain (a part of the great central valley of California), and on a tributary of the San Joaquin River, 48 miles S. by E. of Sacramento. It is about 3 miles E. of the San Joaquin River, with which it is connected by a navigable channel. Steamboats ply daily between here and San Francisco. Stockton contains a fine granite court-house, a state hospital for the insane, high-school, opera-house, St. Mary's College, and St. Agnes' Academy, and has extensive manufactures of agricultural implements, foundry products, glass, leather, lumber, woollens, flour, carriages and wagons, soap, etc. Large quantities of wheat are shipped here. Pop. in 1890, 14,424; in 1900, 17,506.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1921 - December 7 - KWG-AM in Stockton CA begins radio transmissions

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1935 - WAREHOUSE BURNS.
Stockton, Calif., June 25. - Damages estimated in excess of $400,000 was done when flames destroyed the TAYLOR Milling Company plant at Stockton.

Portions of the walls fell during the height of the blaze, injuring one fireman by falling bricks.

The plant was declared a total loss.
The Modesto Bee And News - Herald
Modesto, California
June 25, 1935

1942 - EXPLOSION, FIRE IN U.S. ARMY PLANT KILLS 11, INJURES NINE. MIDVALE MAN LISTED AMONG THOSE SERIOUSLY BURNED; INQUIRY BOARD TO STUDY CAUSE.
Stockton, Cal., June 4 (AP) - Fire, preceded by an explosion, swept quickly through an army building and left 11 dead and another nine severely burned Thursday.

The nature of the explosion remained undetermined.

The flames spread rapidly and those who died were trapped in the structure.

The blaze started about 11:30 o'clock Wednesday night and burned for 30 minutes. Lieutenant Colonel Floyd H. Tull, commanding officer, appointed a board of inquiry to determine what caused the explosion and fire.

The blast apparently did not originate in munition or ordnance stores.
Highway patrolmen raced from the San Francisco blood bank with flasks of plasma, and hospitals here sent serum to the army post, as doctors and nurses joined the army staff in caring for the injured men.
The dead:
TOM SOUSA, Stockton, civilian fireman.
Corporal LLOYD WISBEY, 23, Winlock, Wash.
Sergeant ROBERT A. SMITH, 21, Davis, Cal.
Private ERVIN R. SCHUMACHER, 25, Antelope, Neb.
Private DWIGHT P.... Read MORE...

1959 - February 23 - KVIE TV channel 6 in Sacramento-Stockton, CA (PBS) begins broadcasting

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Whether you're into outdoor activities, cultural experiences, or just want to chill out, here's a diverse list of places to go and things to do in Stockton, California:
Downtown Stockton:

Take a stroll in the historic downtown area. You'll find charming shops, cafes, and beautiful architecture.
Check out the Haggin Museum for some local history and art.

Weber Point Events Center:

Attend events, concerts, or festivals at this popular waterfront venue.

Stockton Marina:

Enjoy a relaxing day by the waterfront. You can rent kayaks or paddleboards and explore the Delta.

Micke Grove Regional Park:

Perfect for a family day out with a zoo, Japanese garden, and a fun-packed amusement park.

Lodi Wine Country:

While technically not in Stockton, the nearby Lodi Wine Country is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts.

University of the Pacific:

Explore the beautiful campus or catch a cultural event or sports game.

Bob Hope Theatre:

Check the schedule for concerts, Broadway shows, and other live performances in this historic venue.

Stockton 99 Speedway:

If you're a racing fan, catch some thrilling races at this local... Read MORE...