Roseville is the most populous city in Placer County, California, located within the Sacramento metropolitan area. As of 2019, the US Census Bureau estimated the city's population to be 141,500. Interstate 80 runs through Roseville and State Route 65 runs through part of the northern edge of the city, connecting Roseville to the surrounding California communities.
For over a thousand years, the South Placer grasslands were home to the Maidu Indians. Then, in 1849, the discovery of gold brought prospectors - and forever changed the landscape.
In 1864, a track-laying crew from the Central Pacific Railroad came eastward from Sacramento with the nation’s first transcontinental railroad. They crossed a small rail line that linked Lincoln and Folsom, and named this crossing 'Junction'.
Junction eventually evolved into 'Roseville', a small trading center for nearby farmers. The area was overshadowed by Rocklin until 1906, when the Southern Pacific Railroad roundhouse facilities moved to Roseville. The city incorporated in 1909, built sewer lines, and organized a fire department. Between 1911 and 1914 more than 100 structures were constructed in the town. In 1913, the world’s largest ice manufacturing plant (the Pacific Fruit Express building) was constructed in Roseville to chill produce being shipped throughout the country.
By 1929, the Roseville railroad yard employed over 1,200 people in order to assemble trains, repair engines, and handle freight. Although the Great Depression would hit Placer County hard, more than 2,000 of Roseville’s unemployed found jobs building public infrastructure as part of the Federal Works Progress Administration. Many Roseville sidewalks still have W.P.A. embossed in the concrete.
With the onset of World War II, the Roseville rail yards became busier than ever. A post-war building boom brought upgrades to the city electric system and the construction of a new hospital. In 1950, the construction of the Washington Underpass was completed. As the fifties progressed, the railroad faced competition from the airlines and interstate truckers. Interstate 80 then came through Roseville, effectively linking South Placer County with the rest of Northern California. Folsom Dam, completed in 1955, provided the city with a dependable domestic water supply.
By 1964, the 100 year old city embodied the ideal of a small American town. In fact, Look Magazine named Roseville an “All America City.” The city saw steady but modest population growth throughout the ensuing decades, as shopping centers, major retailers, and homes were constructed.
Beginning in the 1970s, corporations began to relocate here. Development surged and Roseville emerged as a regional retail center.
In 1985 the population stood at 28,988 people. Five years later it was 44,685 people, and by 2000 it was 74,234 people. Some of this growth was fueled by the arrival of major technology employers, such as Hewlett Packard (in 1979) and NEC (in 1983). The population as of 2014 was 126,956 people.
In 1980's, the city embarked on a multi-million dollar plan to redevelop approximately 207 acres (0.8 km2) of land in the downtown core, and revitalize historic areas. Projects included the Vernon Streetscape Project, Atlantic Street Beautification, Civic Plaza Complex, Downtown Vernon Street and Historic Old Town, Historic Old Town Streetscape project, Riverside Avenue Streetscape project, Oak Street Improvement Project, and Washington Boulevard pedestrian underpass. A new parking garage opened in 2007, the Roseville Arts! Blueline Gallery opened in 2008, and a new Civic Center opened in 2013. The Vernon Street Town Square now features a small raised stage, a water spray for children, and a venue for community events.
Historic Roseville has grown into a progressive, vibrant city. While Roseville is no longer dependent on the railroad, its roots as a “junction” are as evident today as they were in the 1860s.
We are proud of our city. Roseville is where we work, where we play, and where we live. At Roseville Kia - this is home! And you're cordially invited.
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