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Learn about the rich history, not often heard about, and the major influences that have shaped Davis, CA.

You will discover a past hidden in plain sight, as you:

  • Explore the layered histories of Davis by honoring the Patwin people, who have lived on and cared for this land since time immemorial.

 

  • Reflect on the arrival of Californios—early colonial settlers during the Mexican era—and the dramatic transformations that followed.

  • Consider the legacies of ranchers, fur traders, settlers, public officials, artists, and students whose lives and labor shaped the evolving identity of this place.

  • Gain knowledge of the industries that shaped this city (agriculture, animal husbandry, the railroad, and the university farm).

  • Enjoy the serenity of a stroll by Putah Creek and the vibrancy of the farmer’s market.

  • Understand the reasons land grant offerings were made to farmers.

  • Become one of the first to witness the newest art and developmental projects currently underway.

Helpful Tips

What to Wear/What to Bring?

Please wear comfy shoes, dress in layers, and bring water.

How Long is the Tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours.

Where do We meet?

We meet in front of the        

Hattie Weber Museum on C Street.

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About

SERENA WILLIAMS

I’m Serena, and I came to Davis for my doctorate in 2008—and never left. I fell in love with the city: its trees, bikes, markets, cows, and especially its layered history. As a lover of local history, I created this walking tour to share the stories hidden in plain sight. Davis is full of landmarks we pass every day without knowing how they came to be. Spending a pleasant morning or afternoon walking through its past deepens your experience of the present—whether you're here for a day or a decade. I hope this tour helps you see Davis with fresh eyes.

Contact:

Phone: 530.208.9876

    Land Acknowledgment:

    It is important to acknowledge that the land on which we walk today is the ancestral and unceded territory of the Patwin people. For thousands of years, this land has been home to Patwin communities. Today, three federally recognized Patwin tribes continue to uphold their cultural and environmental stewardship: the Cachil DeHe Band of Wintun Indians of the Colusa Indian Community, the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. The Patwin people have remained deeply committed to the care and protection of this land, as their elders have taught across generations. We are honored and grateful to be guests on their traditional lands.

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