Davis, CA is known as a vibrant city home to university students and families alike. Visitors come here to enjoy its bicycling culture, art galleries, and great restaurants. But Davis also attracts history buffs who come to Davis to explore the many historic sites that bring the past alive.
But first, a deep dive into Davis’s origin story. The Davis area was once inhabited by the Patwin Native Americans, also known as the Southern Wintun. Once European settlers arrived in the area in the mid-1800s, many of the native peoples succumbed to disease or settled in other nearby areas.
Davis gets its name from a ranch owned by Jerome and Mary Davis, who cultivated the soil and raised livestock. In the 1860s, the railroad came through the region, connecting the rich farmland to the Bay Area, Sacramento, and beyond. Needless to say, the town flourished.
In the early 1900s, the agriculture school that would later become U.C. Davis opened its doors. As its program offerings grew, so did the university and the town’s population. The town was incorporated in 1917 and continued to expand over the decades to the charming city it is today.
Step Back in Time in Davis
If you’d like to take a deep dive into the history of Davis, you can do so by exploring the numerous historic sites around town. A good place to start is the self-guided Davis Historic Pedestrian and Bike Tour, which takes you past some of the most popular historic sites and structures in the city. Following are some highlights.
The Hattie Weber Museum. Formerly the Old Davis Library, the museum is housed in the first library in Davis, built in 1911. It’s named for the first librarian, who ran the library for more than four decades. The museum’s permanent exhibits include those showcasing the life of Native Americans on Putah Creek and the history of the Davis Ranch. They also have rotating exhibits on topics such as the history of the automobile in Davis.
Southern Pacific Railroad Depot. This historic railroad depot marked the spot where two notable railroad lines crossed. The original structure was built in 1868 but replaced in 1913 with the present Mission Revival Style depot, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is still in use today.
Davis Community Church. The current church structure was built in 1926 and is the only large-scale Spanish Colonial structure in Davis. It replaces other church buildings that were constructed as early as 1870. Cypress trees grown in the Garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem flank the front entrance.
Anderson Bank Building. Named for the first mayor of Davis, this large brick building was erected in 1914. Its design represents Prairie School influences of straight horizontal lines that harmonize with the landscape.
Boy Scout Cabin. Built in 1927 by local Boy Scout troops, this rustic log cabin (actually made from electrical poles) was used for decades for various scouting activities. Since its construction, it has been used for other activities, including a preschool and art exhibitions.
Dresbach-Hunt-Boyer House. This is one of the oldest surviving structures in Davis, built in the early 1870s. It features a Stick-Style Italianate design, with a front porch and three-sided corner bay. It was originally owned by William Dresbach, who served as the first postmaster of Davis. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Masonic Lodge Building. Dedicated in 1917, this two-story structure was home to the Masons, who were originally chartered in 1873. They occupied the top floor, while the ground floor was used as commercial space. It’s a Renaissance Revival building, one of the largest and most imposing of the commercial buildings on G Street.
Davis Cemetery. With grave markers dating to 1859, this is the final resting place for many early pioneer families. Although many early wooden grave markers no longer exist, it is believed that many of the earliest settlers, predominantly Chinese, are buried here. You can take a self-guided walking tour of notable residents, which includes Hattie Weber and John B. Anderson.
Varsity Theatre. Although not the oldest building in town, the Varsity Theatre has a storied history. It was built in 1950 with a late Streamline Moderne design and boasted all the latest amenities, giving it the reputation of the Sacramento Valley’s most modern theater. It had air conditioning, slide-back chairs, and a seamless, smooth movie screen. Today, the theater shows indie films and hosts special events.
Explore History in Davis
Whether you’re a devoted history buff or just a casual observer, Davis is a great place to visit to learn more about the early days of Davis and Northern California. From historic structures to a pioneer cemetery, there are plenty of places to explore. Consider making it part of a multi-day getaway to Davis — check out the many hotels in Davis and book your trip today.
