Woodland, California facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Woodland, California
City
City of Woodland
Clockwise: Yolo County Courthouse; Walnut Street School; Hotel Woodland
Flag
Nickname(s):  City of Trees
Location in Yolo County and the state of California
Woodland, California Location in California Show map of California Woodland, California Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Country	United States
State	California
County	Yolo
Incorporated	February 22, 1871
Area
• Total	15.31 sq mi (39.67 km2)
• Land	15.31 sq mi (39.67 km2)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)  0%
Elevation	69 ft (21 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	61,032
• Density	3,986.4/sq mi (1,538.49/km2)
Time zone	UTC-8 (Pacific)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-7 (PDT)
ZIP codes	95695, 95776
Area code	530
FIPS code	06-86328
GNIS feature IDs	1652659, 2412300

Woodland is a city in California, United States. It is the main city of Yolo County. Woodland is about 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Sacramento. It is part of the larger Sacramento area. The city's population keeps growing. In 2023, it was estimated to be around 61,873 people.

Woodland started in 1850 when California became a state. The land was good for farming because it had plenty of water. This brought many farmers to the area. In 1861, Woodland got its own post office. A year later, in 1862, Woodland became the county seat. This happened after the old county seat, Washington (now West Sacramento), was flooded. The city grew even more with the addition of a railroad line and later Interstate 5.

History of Woodland

Early People: The Patwin Tribe

Before European settlers arrived, the Woodland area was home to the Patwin people. They were a group of Native Americans called Wintun. The Patwin lived near the Sacramento River. They used the Woodland area for hunting and gathering seeds.

The Patwin had important trading trails. They traded goods with other tribes like the Nomlaki, Nisenan, and Pomo. This trading also helped them share their cultures. Sadly, many Patwin people died from diseases brought by Spanish missionaries.

How Woodland Began

In 1851, a man named "Uncle Johnny" Morris settled in the area. Later, Henry Wyckoff built a store called "Yolo City." In 1857, Frank S. Freeman bought the store and 160 acres of land. He wanted to build a town that would be a trading hub for farmers. He even gave away land to people who would build homes.

In 1859, Freeman suggested the name "Woodland," which the post office accepted. The Woodland Post Office opened in 1861, and Freeman became the first Postmaster. He worked hard to help the town grow.

Bird's-eye view of Woodland around 1871

The 1860s were a time of big changes. Woodland became the permanent county seat after the old one flooded. Schools, homes, churches, and a newspaper called the Daily Democrat were built. A rail line was added in 1869, connecting Woodland to other cities. This railroad helped Woodland expand, especially to the west and south.

By 1870, Woodland had about 1,600 people. The city officially became a city in 1871. Soon, residents had trains, telegraphs, telephones, and electricity. A company called Byron Jackson opened a machine shop in Woodland in 1872. They made special pumps that helped California's farms and industries grow.

Woodland in the 1900s

The Woodland Chamber of Commerce started in 1900. People worked together to get a library, a city park, and a better cemetery. By 1910, Woodland was the biggest city in Yolo County, with 3,187 people. For the next 40 years, Woodland grew slowly. Its economy was based on farming businesses like rice mills and tomato canneries.

Families of Japanese ancestry leaving Woodland during World War II

During World War II, many Japanese American families living in Woodland were forced to leave their homes. This happened because of a special order from President Roosevelt. Woodland had a "Civil Control Station" where people checked in before leaving.

After the war, Woodland grew much faster. Between 1950 and 1980, the population tripled. New factories, warehouses, and shopping centers were built. People also became more interested in saving the city's old buildings. Many Victorian homes were restored. The "Stroll Through History" event started in 1989 to show off these historic places.

In the 1970s, Interstate 5 was finished. This highway, along with State Route 113, became the main ways to travel, taking over from the railroads.

Woodland Today

In the last ten years, Woodland has continued to grow. New neighborhoods have been built, especially on the east side of town. Many big stores have also opened. This growth has made more people want to live and invest in Woodland. In 2023, the city planned for over $161 million in new projects. Woodland has even been named one of the top 100 places to live in America!

Pioneer High School opened in 2003. In 2018, Spring Lake Elementary was built, bringing the total to eleven elementary schools in Woodland.

Downtown Woodland has also been improved. There are new restaurants, a new courthouse, and the Old State Theater was expanded into a big movie theater. There are also talks about a new "Woodland Research and Technology Park." This park would bring more research and technology companies to the area.

Downtown Woodland, at Second and Main Street

Geography and Climate

Where is Woodland?

Aerial view of Woodland from the southwest

Woodland is located on flat land in the Central Valley of California. To the east are the Yolo Bypass and the Sacramento River. To the west are the Capay Valley and the Coast Range mountains. Woodland is part of the Sacramento area, but it still feels like a "small town." This is because there is some distance between Woodland and its neighboring cities.

Woodland is known as the "City of Trees." You will see many Valley oak trees planted around the city.

Woodland's Weather

Woodland has a Mediterranean climate. This means it has dry, hot summers and cool, wet winters. The rainy season usually lasts from October to April. In July, the hottest month, temperatures often reach 94°F (34°C). In December and January, the coldest months, temperatures can drop to 38°F (3°C). January is usually the wettest month, with about 3.92 inches (100 mm) of rain. The highest temperature ever recorded in Woodland was 116°F (47°C), and the lowest was 15°F (-9°C).

In summer, warm days are common, often in the 90s. But a cool "Delta Breeze" from the Carquinez Strait usually makes evenings comfortable. Sometimes, temperatures can go above 100°F (38°C). In late fall and winter, Woodland gets cooler weather and rain. Sometimes, there is thick tule fog and freezing conditions. Snow is very rare in Woodland. The last time it snowed was in 2002. The Sierra Nevada mountains, about 60 miles (97 km) east, get a lot of snow each winter.

Economy

Downtown Woodland

Woodland's economy has always been strongly linked to agriculture. Yolo County is one of the biggest crop producers in California. It is also one of the top 20 areas in America for total farm production. The transportation industry is also very important. Farmers need ways to move their crops to other places.

Over the years, Woodland has also grown in other areas. The industrial sector has expanded, with many factories and warehouses. For example, modular homes are a big manufactured product here. Several large retail companies have warehouses in or near Woodland.

Woodland is a popular place to live because it's close to Sacramento and still feels like a small community. This has led to property values increasing. In 2002, Woodland had the highest increase in property value in the entire country!

Businesses do well in Woodland because it's easy to get to. Interstate 5 and Interstate 80 are nearby. Also, the Sierra Northern Railway and the California Northern Railroad help transport goods. Woodland's short distance from the Sacramento and San Francisco areas also makes it a good place for businesses.

Top Employers in Woodland

Here are some of the biggest employers in Woodland:

Arts and Culture

The historic I.O.O.F. Building

The First Friday Art Walk is a monthly event. It shows off the amazing work of local and international artists.

Fun Annual Events

• Yolo County Fair: This big fair happens every August. It's the largest free-admission fair in California! People come from all over to enjoy demolition derbies, farm animal competitions, and local exhibits. A popular event is the "Yolo Idol Search," like the TV show American Idol.
• Sacramento Valley Scottish Games & Festival: This event takes place in April. It celebrates Scottish culture with games and activities. It's one of the oldest and largest Scottish Games in the United States.
• Stroll Through History: In September, this event helps people learn about Woodland's past. You can take guided tours of historic areas and see inside beautiful Victorian homes.
• Woodland Dynamite Chili Cook-off: This event started in 1998. People come to taste chili made by different community members. There are also bounce houses, pony rides, games, and live music. It's held in September at Rotary Park.
• Woodland Christmas Parade: Every year, the city has a huge Christmas parade downtown. It's one of the biggest holiday parades in Northern California. About 150 groups participate, including marching bands, floats, and dance groups.

Museums and Cool Places to Visit

The Fordson snowmobile used to carry the US mail and freight in the Truckee area of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Heidrick Ag History Center.

• Heidrick Ag History Center: This museum is all about agriculture and transportation. It has old and unique farm machines and vehicles from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s.
• Reiff's Antique Gas Station Automotive Museum: Step back in time to the 1950s and 1960s car culture. You'll see old gas pumps, signs, a general store, a diner, and even a movie theater!
• Yolo County Historical Museum: This museum is in the old home of William and Mary Gibson, pioneers of Woodland. The house was built in 1857 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It shows what everyday life was like from the 1850s to the 1930s.
• Woodland Public Library: The original part of this library was built in 1905 with money from Andrew Carnegie. It is the oldest Carnegie-funded library in California that is still open!
• Woodland Opera House: This historic building was first built in 1885. It was rebuilt after a fire in 1895. It was the first opera house in the Sacramento Valley. Famous performers like John Philip Sousa once played here. After being closed for many years, it is now open again for plays and concerts.

Education

The Woodland Joint Unified School District serves the area. It includes ten elementary schools, one charter school, two middle schools, two high schools, and an adult education center.

There are also several private schools in Woodland:

• Woodland Christian School (preschool to high school)
• Holy Rosary Parish School (preschool to 8th grade)
• Montessori Children's House (preschool to 6th grade)
• Woodland Adventist School (preschool to 8th grade)
• Abby's School (preschool and kindergarten)
• Cornerstone Christian Academy (preschool to high school)

Yuba Community College District oversees Woodland Community College. It is now a fully accredited college.

Media and Filming Locations

Woodland's local newspaper is the Daily Democrat. The Sacramento Bee is also popular. Public access TV station WAVE Channel 21 shows local events. This includes high school football games, the Yolo County Fair, and the Christmas Parade.

Several movies and TV shows have filmed scenes in Woodland:

• Farewell Bender
• Blood Sport
• Letters from a Killer
• Selected scenes from Three Men and a Baby
• The documentary Bigger, Faster, Stronger featured interviews with local high school football players.
• The HBO series Big Love also filmed some scenes in Woodland.

Transportation

Woodland is served by Yolo County Transportation District, also known as 'YOLOBUS'. You can take buses to Downtown Sacramento, Davis, and other places in Yolo County. Two major highways, State Route 113 and Interstate 5, run through the city. Woodland also has a new transit service called the Beeline by Yolobus, which works like a rideshare.

Most people in Woodland travel by car. However, walking and riding bicycles are also common.

Notable People from Woodland

Many interesting people have come from Woodland, including:

• José Antonio Bowen - college president
• Jillian Camarena - Olympic shot putter
• Thomas Haden Church - famous actor
• John Didion - professional football player
• Vicente Escobedo - Olympic boxer
• Loreto Garza - boxing world champion
• Sagen Maddalena - Olympic Silver Medalist
• Alyssa Nakken - first full-time female coach in MLB history
• Dustin Pedroia - professional baseball player
• Charles R. Schwab - founder of a big stock company
• Jack Lloyd Yerman - Olympic champion and football player

Sister City

Woodland has one sister city:

• La Piedad, Michoacán, Mexico

See also

In Spanish: Woodland (California) para niños