Rancho Cordova sits along the American River about ten miles east of California's Capital City. It's a mix of suburbia, industrial complexes, and scenic beauty. Here are more reasons why people choose to visit or live in Rancho Cordova, a community of about 65,000 within the Sacramento Metropolitan Area.
History of Rancho Cordova
Back in the California Gold Rush era what is now called Rancho Cordova was a mining area called Mahew's Crossing in the 1850s. It was also known as Hangtown Crossing.
A development plan had been established in 1844 with a 35.5 thousand acre land grant from Mexico to William Leidesdorff before California joining the United States in 1850. The property was originally called Rancho Rio De Los Americanos. Leidesdorff's heirs sold part of the land to Captain Joseph Folsom, who turned part of it into the town of Folsom and the rest grew to what became Rancho Cordova.
During the gold mining years, a trail was formed that attracted other miners, which influenced the rise of hotels and other businesses along the path. As the railroad developed over the next decade, a train stop was named Brighton, near what is now the main strip through Rancho Cordova called Folsom Boulevard.
At the turn of the century, the area was known as Mills. A building known as Mills Station, which contained a tavern and store on the first floor and ballroom on the second floor, was built in 1911. Mather Field opened as a military air training facility for World War I in 1918. It grew into Mather Air Force Base and became a huge center for jobs and military training in the region until it closed in 1993. The property, however, still serves other uses, such as Mather Airport, established in 1995.
The town that emerged in the age of industrialization was named Cordova Vineyard but was eventually renamed Rancho Cordova in 1955, when it established its own post office. During the sixties, the population was near 7,500 but surged to over 40,000 by 1980 with an expansion in housing development. After four decades of political efforts, voters decided in 2002 for Rancho Cordova to incorporate as a city the following year. The city government's finances, however, have been under pressure since the financial crash of 2008.
The oldest existing organization in America that gives awards for community recognition, the National Civic League, named Rancho Cordova as the winner of the All-American City Award in 2010. Regional Transit buses transport people to key points in the city.
Neighborhood Learning Centers
Parents who want to raise a family in Rancho Cordova have four school districts to choose from, although most schools are in the Folsom-Cordova Unified School District. Cordova High School is a well-known campus that has been the launching grounds for many famous athletes, particularly professional baseball and football players. NBC anchor Lester Holt attended high school in the 1970s. Due to the school's association with national celebrities, its sports games and events attract loyal patrons.
Mather AFB is now home to various classes with recreational facilities such as Mather Sports Center. Additionally, the Rancho Cordova Public Library is a branch of the Sacramento Public Library.
Green Scenery
Rancho Cordova is a quiet getaway along the American River. River Bend Park is on the southern side of the river with another park on the other side. The twin parks are connected by a bicycle and pedestrian bridge along the American River bike trail. The Rancho side of the river is not far from plenty of restaurants on Folsom Boulevard and public transportation. For people who enjoy picnics, hiking or rafting, the river is the place to go. The community regularly comes together to celebrate holidays on the river, especially the Fourth of July.
Other scenic places in the area include Hagan Community Park, White Rock Community Park, and Village Green Park. Hagan Park is known for its annual special events, recreation, classes, and community programs. Some of these local events include community yard sales, concerts and special events for pets. Every April is an annual kids day at the park. Kids who enjoy water rides can do so at Splash Park, a part of White Rock Community Park.
Residents of Rancho Cordova who want their properties to match the surrounding green scenery can learn more by contacting Lawn Love. While much of Rancho Cordova has industrial imagery, including rocket manufacturer Aerojet, the American River and the homes surrounding it give Rancho Cordova an overall green image. Contact Lawn Love today for a free, customized lawn care quote.
