Isleton, once called the Paris of the Delta and the Asparagus Capitol of the World, was founded by Josiah Poole in 1874. Poole built the first wharf in Isleton, capitalizing on the Sacramento River to promote commerce and trade up and down the river. In the late 1800’s, paddleboats and steamers became the primary mode for transporting goods and people from San Francisco to Sacramento.
In the early 1900’s, the Delta King and Delta Queen were a common sight, plying the Sacramento River next to Isleton. The Delta King found its home eventually in Old Sacramento and the Delta Queen is now traveling the Mississippi River.
In the late 1800’s, the Chinese started migrating to Isleton and the Delta and, by 1900, the Japanese became part of the migration. By the 1900’s, crops grown in the rich peat soil made Isleton a thriving agricultural and economic mecca.
At one time the population of Isleton swelled to more than 3,000, housing two banks, boarding houses, gambling houses, five canneries and various businesses. The canneries closed when agriculture became more mechanized and crop demand changed. Isleton’s population dwindled. It now has about 800 citizens. Two blocks, just down the levee road on Hwy 160, are considered the Chinatown and Japantown Historic District and are listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Today the town still exhibits its old history and charm. The mostly tin and brick buildings, rebuilt after a 1926 fire destroyed Main Street, are still standing in old downtown.
- Focal point of the Chinatown historic district is the Isleton Museum, which has been restored and is now open
- The former Buddhist Church is located of F Street, which is now a Christian Church
- The Chinese and Japanese Historic District was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1991
- Crawdad Festival – Mid-June.
- Famous actor Pat Morita was born in Isleton.
Interesting places to visit:
- Isleton Museum – 29 Main Street
- Chinese and Japanese Historic District
- Isleton Spam Festival – February
- Tom Poff Catfish Derby – July
- Isleton Chamber office – 23 Main Street
- City of Isleton Public Dock & Fishing Pier – Sacramento River
- Gift Shops and Art Galleries
- Restaurants
