Stockton

Stockton is the seat of San Joaquin County east of San Francisco, between Sacramento and Modesto. It lies along Interstate 5 on the banks of the San Joaquin River.

Stockton saw its origins during the California Gold Rush of the mid-1800s, when it was an outfitting center and staging area for prospectors bound for the Mother Lode country. Later, the city became the heart of San Joaquin Valley agricultural enterprises.

Today, Stockton is an inland seaport at the head of the San Joaquin Delta; its harbor is deep enough for oceangoing ships. It also is a railroad hub as well as a processing and distribution point for San Joaquin and Central valley farm produce and wines. The delta attracts a variety of water sports. Other attractions include the Italian Street Painting Festival and Pixie Woods Amusement Park.

There is also a Stockton, Missouri.

Stockton is part of the Stockton-Lodi, California metro area.