Learn about the heritage of Woodland, visit vintage homes and enjoy family activities in the Stroll Through History on September 9.

The current area for Woodland was once heavily wooded with oak trees, streams and marshlands. The area was abundant with wildlife providing a location for the Patwin living in the area to use as a gathering place. Spanish explorers came to the area followed by American, French and British trappers utilizing the Sacramento River and Cache Creek for transporting fur pelts.

Settlement in the lower Sacramento Valley began in the early 1840s, through land grants from the Mexican government. The first Americans in the Woodland settlement came to the area after 1850, the year California became a state, Yolo County was established, and the gold rush of 1849. The lush valley was an enticing area for the miners to try their luck in farming. The resulting development of Woodland creates the city as the county seat, a central region for agriculture, and an area rich in history with several of the original buildings remaining.

In the spring of 1988, Lloyd and Ida Ingraham opened their Victorian home at 620 Cross Street as a fundraiser for the first Stroll through History, which takes place in the fall of the same year to celebrate the history of Woodland.

The Stroll Through History is a ticketed tour of approximately five vintage homes combined with free self-guided visits whether you chose to walk, or bike. The tours take place throughout Woodland’s circa 1900’s downtown central street, (called Main Street) Nationally Registered Historic District and historic surrounding neighborhoods. The Stroll Through History includes more than a tour of the homes. Events throughout the day create a fun and educational family outing. An abundant amount of information is found on the event website including costume vendors, if you are inclined to dress for the occasion.

All information on the Stroll Through History can be found at: www.strollthroughhistory.com

The hub for information and tickets is the Stroll Heritage Plaza (Plaza) Information Booth at 2^nd and Main Streets. The day kicks off with the ticketed Kiwanis breakfast at the Plaza from 8 am to 10 am. Throughout the day, the Plaza is the center for free activities including the vintage car show of automobiles, camper trailers, fire engines and motorcycles. Entertainment with live music performances start at 11:00.

Outside of the Plaza, you will find several tours including free activities for families and children at: this site.

I am attending as a docent in the home on 3^rd Street not wearing a costume from the era, rather modern clothes including a t-shirt advertising Native Daughters of the Golden West.