The City of Vallejo has a proud 200-year heritage. And today, Vallejo continues to be a friendly, active waterfront community that attracts innovative and hardworking people.

The City of Vallejo's story begins in 1844 when General Mariano G. Vallejo saw the promise of the area. Named after him and twice the site of the state capitol in the 1850s, Vallejo grew into an important shipping and naval center. Legend has it that Mare Island got its name after Gen. Vallejo drove a herd of horses across the Carquinez Strait.

Established in 1854, Mare Island Naval Shipyard was the West Coast's first shipyard. Closed in 1996, Mare Island now stands poised to become an industrial, commercial and residential centerpiece for the city into the next millennium.

Mare Island redevelopment has become a community effort, with input from residents helping shape the future of what could become the most important economic generator of the city.