When Jedediah Strong Smith entered California’s Central Valley in 1828, he encountered expanses of grassland, meandering streams and rivers, gigantic lakes that spread like pancakes in spring floods, vast herds of tule elk, and large numbers of Native Americans who had inhabited the land for milllenia.

In years to come, more settlers found this rich landscape, which is one of the largest valleys in the world. Today the vineyards, orchards and fields produce 25 percent of America’s table food! Today, the communities of the Central Valley enjoy rural expanses, urban prosperity, and an abundance and variety of fresh fruits and vegetables unrivaled in the world. It truly is a land of plenty.

Select a city valley member below (marked in red) or browse members alphabetically to view details on that Central Valley member.