The original settlement of Rio Vista was established in 1853 by Col. Nathan H. Davis, and was located at the mouth of Cache Slough, where it meets the Sacramento River, approximately two miles from its present location. The settlement grew rapidly, and fishing became the primary industry. Robert C. Carter and his son established a cannery, which shipped salmon daily to San Francisco and, from there, internationally.
During the first couple of years the settlement’s name changed several times: Los Brazos del Rio, Vista del Rio, and Winds End. Eventually the wife of the Postmaster Charles Kirkpatrick re-named it Rio Vista. In December of 1861 the unruly Sacramento River rose, and on January 9, 1862, Rio Vista was destroyed when 12 feet of water covered the settlement. Fortunately, not one life was lost. However, half the residents decided to relocate to developed communities, while the other half relocated to Rio Vista’s present location in March of that year.
The “new” settlement located approximately halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento, soon became a popular stopover for weary travelers who enjoyed the hospitality of Rio Vista’s hotels, saloons, and general merchandise stores. As more people settled in Rio Vista, many of them immigrants, farming outstripped fishing as a way of life. Immigrants came from Germany, Portugal, England, Sweden, Scotland, and Canada, to name a few. All of them, educated in their native lands, brought new ideas about farming to the community.
Thirty years after the3 devastating flood, the community once again experienced disaster. On July 20,1892, a fire brook out in the River View Hotel. Within Minutes the flames spread, eventually destroying almost every structure in town. However, the community decided to rebuild. After two decades of local debate, it was time to incorporate. The town of Rio Vista held its first election, and the community was officially incorporated on December 30, 1893.
Anglers still come to Rio Vista for good fishing all year. The town hosts an annual Bass Festival and Derby the second weekend in October (www.bassfeastival.com). The festival includes a fishing derby for prizes, carnival, music, and fireworks.
Local attractions:
- Dutra Museum of Dredging
- Rio Vista Museum
- Waterfront Park Promenade
- Marta Dron Rotary Golf Tournament – June
- Hot August Bites – August
- Rio Vista Annual Bass Derby & Festival – October
- Foster’s Big Horn Restaurant (143 Main Street) – Good food and lots of animals, everywhere!!!!
The world famous, Foster’s Big Horn Restaurant:
