VACAVILLE'S HISTORY
When William McDaniel purchased land from Manuel Vaca, he agreed that a one square mile area would be used to create a township. The land was recorded on Dec. 13, 1851, and the township was called "Vacaville." In 1892 Vacaville was incorporated as a city.
Vacaville has a rich past, tracing its roots to those early days of pioneers and adventurers. Through more than 150 years, Vacaville has maintained a spirit that embraces change, yet holds on to the traditions of a colorful past.
Its beginnings found settlers staking out ranches and then farming the land. This eventually gave way to major agriculture production. At one time Vacaville was the fresh fruit capital of California, shipping fruit and nut products throughout the nation. These agricultural beginnings were reflected at the "Nut Tree" in Vacaville. Nut Tree began as a roadside fruit stand and grew to become a world-renowned restaurant complex that served as an oasis for travelers between the San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento Valley for almost 75 years. Generations of families visited Vacaville and the Nut Tree, making it a true "icon" along I-80.
Today, Vacaville is a vibrant community in one of the fastest growing areas of the nation and has become home to some of the largest and most successful life-science companies in the world, including Genentech, Alza, and Chiron. Its location makes it one of California's most attractive family communities. Yet, through it all, the pioneering spirit of Vacaville continues to thrive and bring prosperity to the residents.
Basic Information Distance to Area Cities:
Founded: 1851 Vallejo:27 miles
Incorporated: 1892 Napa: 28 miles
Elevation:90-300 ft. Sacramento: 35 miles
County: Solano County San Francisco: 55 miles
Time Zone: PSD Tahoe:120 miles
San Jose: 89 miles
Population in July 2009: 91,991. Population change since 2000: +3.8% | Males: 49,874 |  (54.2%) |
| Females: 42,117 |  (45.8%) |
| Median resident age: |  33.9 years |
| California median age: |  33.3 years |
Zip codes: 95688, 95687, 95696
Estimated median household income in 2009: $65,712 (it was $57,667 in 2000)| Vacaville: | $65,712 |
| California: | $58,931 |
Estimated median house or condo value in 2009: $291,100 (it was $176,000 in 2000)| Vacaville: | $291,100 |
| California: | $384,200 |
Top employers
According to the City's 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,the top employers in the city are: