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Description

This broadside offered by the Stockton Park Homestead Association, promotes the sale of lots in the southeastern part of Stockton, California, including a map of the city locating the project.

By November 30, 1869, the Stockton Park Homestead Association was advertising this project in the Sacramento Daily Union, offering this map and prospectus to potential buyers.

The lots, advertised at $60, could be paid for in 12 interest-free installments of $5, making the investment accessible to a broad range of potential buyers. The document highlights Stockton’s rapid growth, fertile land, and proximity to major railroads as major selling points.

By 1869, Stockton had established itself as a key player in California's economy, particularly during and after the California Gold Rush (1848–1855). Founded in 1849 by Charles Weber, a German immigrant, Stockton grew quickly due to its advantageous location along the San Joaquin River, which provided a navigable route for steamships. This accessibility made Stockton a crucial gateway for miners traveling to the Sierra Nevada foothills, as well as for goods and supplies needed to support mining operations. The city’s riverfront position also allowed for the development of agriculture, a sector that would continue to flourish through the late 19th century.

By the 1850s, Stockton had become one of California’s major cities. Its importance was further solidified with the arrival of the Western Pacific Railroad in the 1860s, which connected Stockton to San Francisco, Sacramento, and the broader region. The Stockton and Copperopolis Railroad, mentioned in the broadside, was one of many railways that expanded Stockton’s reach, particularly for transporting goods like copper and agricultural produce. As a result, Stockton became a key industrial and commercial hub in the San Joaquin Valley, fostering the growth of industries such as manufacturing, shipbuilding, and agriculture.

By 1870, Stockton's population was approximately 10,000 and it was already known as the "Emporium of the Great San Joaquin Valley." The city’s economic growth was driven by its ability to serve as a transportation and logistics center for the region’s booming agricultural sector, which benefited from the rich, loamy soil and mild climate described in the broadside. Stockton’s strategic location and the development of its infrastructure, including railroads and steamships, positioned the city for continued growth as both a settlement and an investment opportunity, as noted in the promotional material. 

Provenance

Bancroft Library deaccession.

Condition Description
Mounted on linen. Minor loss at corners. Bancroft stamp and label in corners.