As a university town, Davis has the advantages of a small town coupled with numerous intellectual, recreational, and cultural activities serving a variety of interests.

Davis grew around a Southern Pacific Railroad depot built in 1868. It was then known as “Davisville,” named after Jerome C. Davis, a prominent local farmer. The post office at Davisville shortened the town name simply to “Davis” in 1907. The name stuck, and the city of Davis was incorporated on March 28, 1917.

From its inception as a farming community, Davis has been known for its contributions to agricultural policy, along with veterinary care and animal husbandry. Following the passage of the University Farm Bill in 1905 by the California State Legislature, Gov. George Pardee selected Davis out of 50 other sites as the future to the University of California’s University Farm, officially opening in 1908. It was run by UC Berkeley’s College of Agriculture. The farm, later renamed the Northern Branch of the College of Agriculture in 1922, was upgraded into the seventh general campus of the University of California, Davis, in 1962.

The following decades witnessed a large population and construction boom.

Ultimately, however, a more growth-conscious attitude took hold, contributing to Davis’ reputation as a community highly concerned with finding a balance between environmental considerations and growth.

It’s also considered one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country, which makes the Cycling Museum Hall of Fame’s location perfect. Read about it in the section. If museums are your thing, check out our story on the Shrem.

In this section, you can also read about UC Davis’ flagship signature event, Picnic Day, which is set for its 111th rendition next April. You can also read Chancellor Gary S. May’s submission about the state of the university.

If food is what you are after, check out our story on Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, or for a broader view, read our Davis dining guide,

If a drink is what you are after, look no further than to our stories on Great Bear Vineyards or Shipwrecked.

You can also read up on an update from Yolo County Supervisor Lucas Frerichs.

The Daily Democrat welcomes you to Davis.

— Carlos Guerrero