Tracy began as an agricultural community centered on several rail
lines, and eventually became the San Joaquin Valley headquarters for
the Central Pacific Railroad. The City was incorporated in 1910 and
grew rapidly after the first irrigation district was established in 1915.
Towards the latter part of the 20th century, the City transitioned
into a primarily residential community, as more people arrived from
the Bay Area seeking affordable housing, a small-town feel, and a respite
from the highly-urbanized San Francisco region. [‡]
‡ City of Tracy, CA, City of Tracy General Plan, 2011, ci.tracy.ca.us, accessed March, 2012.