San Joaquin County turns 175 years old next year.
And county supervisors want to use the occasion to celebrate San Joaquin County’s culture, build a sense of community, and educate residents about where they life.
The board when they meet Tuesday will discuss whether to create an ad hoc committee to craft a 175th anniversary celebration plan.
San Joaquin was incorporated as one of California’s original counties on Feb. 18, 1850 — seven months prior to California gaining statehood on Sept. 9, 1850. There are now 58 counties.
San Joaquin County was named for the San Joaquin River, which was named for Saint Joachim.
Gabriel Moraga — a Spanish explorer who was one of the first Europeans to see what is now the Central Valley — named the San Joaquin River during an expedition from 1806 through 1808. He also named the Sacramento, Merced, Kings, Calaveras, and Mariposa rivers.
Saint Joachim, according to Christianity, was the maternal grandfather of Jesus. Joachim is the patron saint of fathers, grandfathers, married couples, linen traders, and cabinet makers.
Before there were Europeans, the area now encompassing the 1,426 square miles of San Joaquin County was inhabited by the native Yokuts and Miwok peoples.
A malaria epidemic in 1828 and a rebellion of native people led by Chief Estanislao — for whom the Stanislaus River and Stanislaus County are named — drastically reduced the native population.
Most of today’s boundary of San Joaquin County were created via five land grants when California was a province of Mexico from 1843 to 1846.
At the time of its incorporation, San Joaquin County had 3,647 residents. That is roughly the combined population added to Manteca and Lathrop during 2022.
The 2020 Census placed the county’s population at 779,223. Today, the county is estimated to have 800,100 residents.
Eight months prior to its 175th anniversary, San Joaquin County will have eight incorporated cities.
Mountain House on July 1 will become the 8th city based on an overwhelming 90 percent plus yes votes of its residents in the March 5 election.
Based on population San Joaquin County’s cities in descending order on Feb. 18, 2025 will be Stockton, Tracy, Manteca, Lodi, Lathrop, Mountain House, Ripon, and Escalon.
The anniversary planning committee will be tasked with setting goals and objectives, collaborate with local historians and historical societies, choose a theme, design a logo, develop a budget, develop a marketing plan, engage the community, and organizing events.
Events could include historical exhibits, parades, cultural performances, community festivals, and educational programs.
The primary objectives are as follows:
*Cultural identity: To serve as opportunities for residents to reconnect with their communities cultural heritage, traditions, and values. It fosters a sense of pride and belonging among residents, reinforcing their identity as members of the community.
*Education and awareness: To be educational, offering opportunities to learn about our history, key figures, pivotal events, and cultural contributions. This helps raise awareness and appreciation for the county’s rich heritage among residents, particularly younger generations.
*Community building: To bring people together. Through various events and activities, people have the chance to bond, share experiences, and strengthen social ties, contributing to a sense of unity and cohesion.
*Economic boost: To stimulate economic activity, attracting tourists and visitors to the county. Events, festivals, and commemorations can generate revenue for local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and tourism-related services.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
