Fairfield, California, is more than a convenient stop between Sacramento and the Bay Area. This Solano County community has its own history, personality, and plenty of interesting stories.
Whether you've lived in Fairfield for decades or are relatively new to the area, here are some fun facts that may make you look at the city a little differently.
1. Fairfield Is the County Seat
Fairfield serves as the county seat of Solano County. That gives the city an important role in local government and the region's history.
2. The City Was Named After Fairfield, Connecticut
Fairfield's name came from Fairfield, Connecticut. The city was officially incorporated in the early 20th century, although its roots in the area go back much further.
3. Fairfield Is Part of a Major California Region
Its location puts Fairfield within reach of several major Northern California destinations. Residents can enjoy access to the Bay Area, Sacramento, Napa Valley, and other communities without being directly in the middle of the hustle and bustle of a major metropolitan area.
4. Travis Air Force Base Is Nearby
One of Fairfield's most recognizable neighbors is Travis Air Force Base. The base has played an important role in the local economy and community for decades.
5. Agriculture Is Part of the Area's History
Solano County has a strong agricultural tradition. Farming has long been an important part of the region, and agriculture continues to shape the surrounding landscape.
6. Fairfield Has a Connection to the Jelly Bean
One of the area's most famous attractions is Jelly Belly's Fairfield-area operation. For candy lovers, that makes Fairfield an especially sweet destination.
7. Fairfield Has Plenty of Open Space
Although Fairfield has grown significantly, the surrounding area still features agricultural land, hills, parks, and open spaces. That combination gives the community a distinctive Northern California feel.
8. It Has a Unique Location
Fairfield sits in a location that offers access to both urban and rural environments. You can enjoy restaurants, shopping, businesses, and entertainment while still being relatively close to vineyards, farms, and open countryside.
9. The Weather Has Personality
Like much of Northern California, Fairfield experiences warm, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters. If you're new to the area, summer temperatures can definitely make you appreciate a good air conditioner!
10. There's Always More to Discover
One of the best things about living in Fairfield is that the community continues to evolve. New businesses, restaurants, neighborhoods, and community activities add to a city that already has a fascinating history.
Whether you're a longtime resident or someone discovering Fairfield for the first time, there's always another local fact, landmark, or story worth learning about.
That's part of what makes a community feel like home.
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8 Fun Facts You May Not Know About Fairfield, California
Every city has its stories, but some places have more interesting history hiding in plain sight than others. Fairfield, California, is a great example.
Located in Solano County between the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento region, Fairfield has a history that reaches back much further than many people realize. Here are a few fun facts about the city.
1. Fairfield Was Named After Another Fairfield
Fairfield was laid out in 1856 by Captain Robert H. Waterman, a clipper-ship captain who had traveled around the world multiple times.
He named the California community after his hometown of Fairfield, Connecticut.
2. Fairfield Has Been the County Seat Since 1858
Fairfield became the Solano County seat in 1858 after voters approved moving the county seat from Benicia.
Waterman donated 16 acres for county buildings, helping establish Fairfield's role as an important center of government.
3. Fairfield Wasn't Incorporated Until 1903
Although the town was established decades earlier, Fairfield wasn't formally incorporated as a city until December 12, 1903.
That means the community had already been around for nearly half a century before officially becoming a city.
4. The Area Has Thousands of Years of History
Artifacts discovered in nearby Green Valley have been dated to thousands of years ago. The area was home to Indigenous communities long before Fairfield became the city we know today.
5. Fairfield Is Closely Connected to Travis Air Force Base
Travis Air Force Base was established east of Fairfield in 1942 and has played an important role in the area's economy and history ever since.
The base later became Travis Air Force Base and was annexed into Fairfield in 1966.
6. Jelly Belly Calls Fairfield Home
Yes, those colorful little jelly beans are part of Fairfield's story.
Fairfield is home to the Jelly Belly Candy Company, whose factory has become a well-known attraction for visitors.
7. Fairfield Is Close to Wine Country
Fairfield sits near Suisun Valley and Green Valley, areas known for vineyards and wineries.
So Fairfield residents don't have to go very far to enjoy Northern California wine country.
8. Fairfield Sits Between Major California Destinations
Fairfield's location puts it roughly between San Francisco and Sacramento, while Napa Valley is also nearby.
Its location along major transportation routes has helped Fairfield grow into an important community for residents and businesses.
A City With More Stories Than You Might Expect
Fairfield may not always get the same attention as San Francisco, Sacramento, or Napa, but that's part of its charm. Its history combines agriculture, transportation, military influence, food, wine, business, and a diverse community.
Sometimes the most interesting places aren't the ones with the biggest headlines—they're the ones with the best stories.
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