Description
The Stockton, California Public Documents collection consists of printed
matter relating to various aspects of twentieth century Stockton commerce,
demographics, education, finances, housing, planning, transportation, and
various other topics (1952-). Ms251 was created by Holt Atherton staff as a
convenient location for city government publications. Periodic additions to the
collection are anticipated.
Background
Stockton was founded in 1847 by Captain Charles M. Weber. The city was
named after Robert F. Stockton, an American military officer important at the
beginning of the American period in California whom Weber admired. During the
Gold Rush, Stockton became an important starting point and supplier to the
southern mines. Later the city was home to numerous agricultural implement
manufacturers, most notably the Caterpillar Tractor Co. (1890-1925). Today,
Stockton serves as an inland port connected to San Francisco by a 75-mile-long
channel. Its major industry is food processing. Stockton is home to the
University of the Pacific and San Joaquin Delta Junior College.