History of Stockton, California in Timeline

Stockton, California, is the county seat of San Joaquin County, located in the Central Valley. It is the 13th-most populous city in California and the 61st in the United States, with a population of over 320,000 in 2020. Situated on the San Joaquin River in the northern San Joaquin Valley, Stockton lies at the southeastern corner of a large inland river delta. It has been recognized as an All-America City multiple times, including 1999, 2004, 2015, 2017, and 2018.

November 24, 1904: First Workable Continuous Track Tread Machine Tested

On Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1904, Holt successfully tested the first workable continuous track tread machine, leading to the "Caterpillar" tractor.

October 24, 1912: Gurdwara Sahib Stockton Opened

On October 24, 1912, Gurdwara Sahib Stockton, the first Sikh temple in the United States, opened.

1914: Swinton Advocated Armored Fighting Vehicle

During 1914, Swinton advocated basing some sort of armored fighting vehicle on Holt's caterpillar tractors, but without success.

1915: Swinton Advocated Armored Fighting Vehicle

During 1915, Swinton advocated basing some sort of armored fighting vehicle on Holt's caterpillar tractors, but without success.

April 22, 1918: British Army Col. Ernest Dunlop Swinton Visited Stockton

On April 22, 1918, British Army Col. Ernest Dunlop Swinton visited Stockton while on a tour of the United States, thanking Holt for the company's contribution to the war effort with their tractors.

January 10, 1920: Major Fire on Main Street

On January 10, 1920, a major fire on Main Street threatened an entire city block, causing significant damage to the Yost-Dohrmann store and adjacent businesses.

1920: Lincoln Hotel Built

In 1920, the Lincoln Hotel was built by the Wong brothers on South El Dorado Street and was considered one of Stockton's finest hotels of the time.

1923: University of the Pacific Located in Stockton

In 1923, the University of the Pacific (UOP), the oldest university in California, was located in Stockton.

1930: Fox California Theatre Built

In 1930, the Fox California Theatre, later known as the Bob Hope Theatre, was built in downtown Stockton.

1931: Stockton Electric Railroad Operation

By 1931, the Stockton Electric Railroad Co. operated 40 streetcars over 28 miles of track.

1933: Port Modernization and Deepwater Channel Completion

In 1933, the port was modernized, and the Stockton Deepwater Channel was deepened and completed.

1937: Spinach Riot

During the Great Depression in 1937, the town's canning industry became the battleground of a labor dispute resulting in the Spinach Riot.

1940: Maxine Hong Kingston Born

Acclaimed American author Maxine Hong Kingston was born in Stockton in 1940.

May 10, 1942: Stockton Assembly Center Opened

On May 10, 1942, the Stockton Assembly Center opened, holding Japanese-Americans removed from their West Coast homes during World War II.

1946: Stockton Ports as Single A Team

Since 1946, the Stockton Ports have been a single A team in the California Minor Leagues.

1947: Stockton 99 Speedway Opens

In 1947, the Stockton 99 Speedway opened, becoming the oldest NASCAR-certified race track West of the Mississippi.

January 11, 1949: Lowest Recorded Temperature

On January 11, 1949, the lowest recorded temperature at the airport was 16 °F (−9 °C).

1951: Stockton Civic Theatre Founded

In 1951, the Stockton Civic Theatre was founded, offering an annual series of musicals, comedies, and dramas.

1952: Pacific Tigers Play at Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium

Since 1952, the Pacific Tigers played their home games at the Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium.

1953: Stockton Ports move to Billy Hebert Field

In 1953, the Stockton Ports Baseball Team played their home games at Billy Hebert Field.

1954: Pixie Woods Opens

In 1954, Pixie Woods, a small children's amusement park, opened in the City of Stockton.

1958: Maxine Hong Kingston Graduates from Edison High

In 1958, Maxine Hong Kingston graduated from Edison High in Stockton.

1962: Magnuson Act Repealed

In 1962, after the Magnuson Act was repealed, American-born Chinese were allowed to buy property and own buildings.

January 21, 1967: Most Rainfall in 24 Hours

On January 21, 1967, the most rainfall in 24 hours was 3.01 inches (76.5 mm).

1971: Stockton Fire Department Rated Class 1

In 1971, the Stockton Fire Department was first rated as a Class 1 fire department by the Insurance Services Office.

July 1975: Driest Rain Year Started

The driest "rain year" started in July 1975, with 5.71 inches (145.0 mm) of precipitation recorded until June 1976.

February 5, 1976: Measurable Snowfall

On February 5, 1976, the only instance of measurable snowfall occurred, with 0.3 in (0.8 cm) measured.

June 1976: Driest Rain Year Ended

The driest "rain year" ended in June 1976, with 5.71 inches (145.0 mm) of precipitation recorded from July 1975.

1979: Miwok Remains Unearthed

In 1979, the development of a residential area in Stockton at a burial ground of the tribe unearthed two hundred Miwok remains.

1980: California Historical Landmark

In 1980, the former incarceration site was named a California Historical Landmark.

July 1982: Wettest Rain Year Started

The wettest "rain year" started in July 1982, with 27.89 inches (708.4 mm) of precipitation recorded until June 1983.

1982: Wana the Bear v. Community Construction

In 1982, the legal case Wana the Bear v. Community Construction occurred regarding the desecration of Miwok burial grounds, ultimately siding with the development company.

1982: Pacific Tigers Move to Alex G. Spanos Center

Since 1982, The Pacific Tigers have played their home games at the Alex G. Spanos Center.

June 1983: Wettest Rain Year Ended

The wettest "rain year" ended in June 1983, with 27.89 inches (708.4 mm) of precipitation recorded from July 1982.

1984: Marker Erected at Fairgrounds

In 1984, a marker was erected at the entrance to the fairgrounds, marking the former incarceration site.

January 17, 1989: Cleveland Elementary School Shooting

On January 17, 1989, Patrick Purdy opened fire on the playground of Cleveland Elementary School, killing five children and wounding 29 others and a teacher before taking his own life. The Stockton Police Department had received a threat against the school earlier that day.

1989: Pavement Formed in Stockton

In 1989, the indie rock band Pavement was formed in Stockton by Stephen Malkmus and Scott Kannberg.

1995: Rough and Ready Island Decommissioned

In 1995, Rough and Ready Island, a former World War II–era naval supply base adjacent to the Port of Stockton, was decommissioned during the Base Realignment and Closure process.

September 1996: Naval Reserve Center Closure Announced

In September 1996, the Base Realignment and Closure Commission announced the final closure of Stockton's Naval Reserve Center on Rough and Ready Island.

1996: City Decides to Provide Free Health Care

In 1996, the city of Stockton decided to provide firefighters with free health care after retirement, which they later expanded to all city employees.

February 1998: Most Rainfall in One Month

In February 1998, the most rainfall in one month was 8.22 inches (208.8 mm).

1998: 49ers Summer Training Camp at University of the Pacific

In 1998, the University of the Pacific became the summer home of the San Francisco 49ers Summer Training Camp.

1998: Increase in real estate value

Real estate in Stockton more than tripled in value between 1998 and 2005.

1999: All-America City

In 1999, Stockton was named an All-America City.

2002: End of 49ers Training Camp at University of the Pacific

In 2002, the San Francisco 49ers Summer Training Camp concluded at the University of the Pacific.

2004: All-America City

In 2004, Stockton was named an All-America City.

2004: Stockton Ports move to Banner Island Ballpark

In 2004, the Stockton Ports Baseball Team moved their home games to Banner Island Ballpark.

December 2005: Stockton Arena Opens

In December 2005, the 10,000-seat Stockton Arena opened in Downtown Stockton, becoming home to the Stockton Kings (NBAGL).

2005: Fire Stations Meet Response Time Standard

In 2005, all 13 of the city's fire stations met the National Fire Protection Association standard of a 5-minute response time.

2005: Increase in real estate value

Real estate in Stockton more than tripled in value between 1998 and 2005.

June 16, 2006: Domestic Service Resumes at Stockton Metropolitan Airport

On June 16, 2006, domestic service resumed at Stockton Metropolitan Airport with service to Las Vegas by Allegiant Air.

July 23, 2006: Highest Recorded Temperature

On July 23, 2006, the highest recorded temperature at the airport was 115 °F (46 °C).

September 2006: Decline in House Values

From September 2006 to September 2007, the value of a median-priced house in Stockton declined by 44%.

2006: Aeromexico Plans Flights to Guadalajara

In 2006 Aeromexico had plans to provide flights to and from Guadalajara, Mexico, but the airport's plan to build a customs station at the airport was initially rejected by the customs service.

September 2007: Housing Foreclosures

From September 2006 to September 2007, the value of a median-priced house in Stockton declined by 44%. Stockton also led the United States in foreclosures for that year, with one of every 30 homes posted for foreclosure.

September 2007: Air Service to Phoenix Begins

In September 2007, air service to Phoenix began at Stockton Metropolitan Airport.

2007: Bubble Burst and Financial Crisis

In 2007, the housing bubble burst, and the ensuing financial crisis made Stockton one of the hardest-hit cities in the United States.

2008: Police Force Cut Due to Mortgage Crisis

During the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis, the city of Stockton cut its police force by more than 20%.

2008: Following the 2008 financial crisis

Following the 2008 financial crisis, in June 2012 Stockton became the largest city in U.S. history to file for bankruptcy protection.

2008: Housing Prices Fell and High Foreclosure Rate

In the 2008 fiscal year, Stockton housing prices fell 39%, and the city had the country's highest foreclosure rate (9.5%). Stockton also had an unemployment rate of 13.3% in 2008.

2008: Financial Crisis

The 2008 financial crisis was one of the causes of Stockton's bankruptcy.

2009: Rated as Dangerous City

In 2009, Stockton was rated by Forbes as America's fifth most dangerous city because of its crime rate.

2009: Fire Department Statistics

In 2009, the Stockton Fire Department had 13 fire stations and over 275 career personnel.

July 1, 2010: Allegiant Air Implements Non-Stop Service to Long Beach

On July 1, 2010, Allegiant Air implemented non-stop service to and from Long Beach.

2010: Rated as One of the Worst Places to Live

In 2010, mainly due to previous factors, Forbes named Stockton one of the three worst places to live in the United States.

2010: Stockton Fire Department Receives Class 1 Rating

In 2010, the Stockton Fire Department was one of only 57 departments among 44,000 to receive the Class 1 rating.

2010: 2010 Census Data

In 2010, the census reported that 285,973 people (98.0% of the population) in Stockton lived in households, 3,896 (1.3%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 1,838 (0.6%) were institutionalized.

2010: United States Census Population Report

The 2010 United States Census reported that Stockton had a population of 291,707.

2011: Fire Department Staffing and Budget Cuts

In 2011, during Stockton's Chapter 9 bankruptcy proceedings, the city reduced staffing levels from 220 full-time staff to 177, and the budget from $59 million to $40 million, resulting in a 30% cut to the fire department.

June 2012: Stockton Filed for Bankruptcy

In June 2012, Stockton became the largest city in U.S. history to file for bankruptcy protection.

June 28, 2012: Stockton Filed for Chapter 9 Bankruptcy

On June 28, 2012, Stockton filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy.

2012: Operation Ceasefire implemented

In 2012, Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones credited the drop in the murder rate to Operation Ceasefire, a gun violence intervention strategy pioneered in Boston and implemented in Stockton.

2012: Stockton Filed for Bankruptcy

In 2012, Stockton filed for what was then the largest municipal bankruptcy in US history.

2012: Stockton Ranked Among Most Dangerous Cities

In 2012, the City of Stockton was ranked as the 10th most dangerous city in America, with 1,417 violent crimes per 100,000 persons and 22 murders per 100,000.

April 1, 2013: Bankruptcy Court Ruled Stockton Eligible for Bankruptcy Protection

On April 1, 2013, the United States Bankruptcy Court Eastern District of California ruled that Stockton was eligible for bankruptcy protection.

July 2013: Detroit Surpassed Stockton in Bankruptcy

In July 2013, Detroit surpassed Stockton as the largest city in U.S. history to file for bankruptcy protection.

October 4, 2013: City Council Approved Bankruptcy Exit Plan

On October 4, 2013, the Stockton City Council approved a bankruptcy exit plan to be filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

October 2013: Stockton Approved Plan to Exit Bankruptcy

In October 2013, Stockton approved a plan to exit bankruptcy.

November 5, 2013: Voters Approved Sales Tax

On November 5, 2013, voters approved a sales tax to help fund Stockton's exit from bankruptcy.

2013: Operation Ceasefire Credited for Murder Rate Drop

In 2013, Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones credited the drop in the murder rate to Operation Ceasefire, implemented in Stockton in 2012, combined with a federal gun and narcotics operation.

2013: Decrease in Violent Crime

In 2013, violent crime in Stockton lessened to 1,230.3 crimes per 100,000 population, making it 19th on the list of the most dangerous cities.

July 16, 2014: Armed Bank Robbery and High-Speed Pursuit

On July 16, 2014, an armed bank robbery led to a high-speed pursuit in Stockton, during which one suspect fired over 100 rounds from an AK-47 at police, disabling 14 police vehicles. The incident resulted in two perpetrators killed, two hostages injured, and one hostage killed by police ammunition, leading to criticism of the department's handling of the situation.

October 30, 2014: Federal Bankruptcy Judge Approved Recovery Plan

On October 30, 2014, a federal bankruptcy judge approved Stockton's bankruptcy recovery plan.

2014: Port of Stockton Statistics

As of 2014, the Port of Stockton had 136 tenants and is served by BNSF & UP Railroads.

February 2015: Stockton Exited Bankruptcy

In February 2015, Stockton successfully exited bankruptcy.

February 25, 2015: Stockton Exited from Chapter 9 Bankruptcy

On February 25, 2015, Stockton exited from Chapter 9 bankruptcy.

2015: All-America City

In 2015, Stockton was named an All-America City.

2015: Fire Department Emergency Calls

In 2015, the Stockton Fire Department responded to over 40,000 emergency calls for service, including more than 300 working structure fires.

2016: Fire Department Resources

As of 2016, the Stockton Fire Department consists of 12 firehouses that house 12 Engine Companies and three Truck Companies.

2017: All-America City

In 2017, Stockton was named an All-America City.

2018: Federal Study Predicts Potential Flooding

A 2018 federal study predicted that flooding of the San Joaquin River could possibly cause much of Stockton to become submerged, causing a humanitarian disaster.

2018: All-America City

In 2018, Stockton was named an All-America City.

2019: Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration (S.E.E.D.)

In 2019, the Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration (S.E.E.D.) conducted a pilot project giving a $500 stipend to 125 residents for a 24-month period.