Not many cities in America have earned the string of titles that Petaluma can claim. Located in the southern part of Sonoma County, California and founded in 1852 and chartered in 1858, it has gone from being one of California largest cities in the 1860s to the World’s Egg Basket in the early 1900s; until it has become the Telecom Valley with the thriving economic and progressive community it has today.
The origin of its name has been debated by the locals and visitors alike. But somehow it has been determined that Petaluma is indeed a transliteration of the Coast Miwok Indian’s phrase péta lúuma which means hill backside, perhaps referring to Petaluma’s proximity to Sonoma Mountain. Thus, the city is sometimes referred to as City of Little Hills.
Petaluma has been blessed with so much development through the years. It started with the Spanish grants that establish economic and social centers along the Petaluma River. And then came the gold rush period, which saw the place becoming a major shipping and manufacturing center. And then Canadian migrant Lyman C. Byce invented the first practical chicken incubator in 1879, opening the way for Petaluma’s lucrative poultry industry effectively reinventing Petaluma to become the World’s Egg Basket.
Industries
Today, agribusiness is still important to the quality of life and commerce in Petaluma. Dairy ranches have replaced chicken farms, with large operations like Clover Stornetta. The Petaluma Cooperative Creamery, established in 1913, is now part of a national conglomerate of milk producers, and cheeses, including goat cheese, are still manufactured in the area. Specialty crops and Sonoma County wines have earned Petaluma the reputation of a gourmet’s paradise.
The reputation of being the Telecom Valley in the 90s still has imprints in the city. Though the boom has somehow stagnated, it has transcended into other startups like for example the purchase of the Phoenix Theater by former Cerex employees. Yet again the city proves it ability to reinvent and is once again poised to play a significant role in the economic frontlines of California.
Lure
The heart of Petaluma is its Victorian Historic Downtown, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. Home to more than 600 businesses, 65 historical properties, Petaluma offers many colorful family events that provide opportunities to escape the everyday hustle and bustle of life.
Call it what you will, the community here thrives on coming together for events that celebrate our heritage and history.
The Treats
Tourists seek out Petaluma for a myriad of reasons: year-round kayaking on the Petaluma River, treasure hunting at antique galleries in our walkable historic downtown, sampling award-winning food, beer and wine at the source, or experiencing its vibrant arts scene. Whatever is one’s interest, certainly Petaluma has something good to offer.
For those who love nature and the earth, Petaluma is a leader in the movement known as agritourism which connects people with growers and producers in authentic experiences. Our rich farming and agricultural heritage is proudly represented in numerous farm tours and locally produced products.
Travel & Leisure Magazine has named Petaluma one of the “Nation’s Top Ten Getaways Near a Major City.” So whether you are already in Petaluma or on the other parts of the world, considering of settling down or buying a property in Petaluma would certainly be a wise decision. You only to take a few moments and explore the plethora of possibilities that this small town with a huge personality has to offer.
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