Author Description

Explore Rio Vista's rich history through captivating photographs, from its flood-ravaged beginnings to its transformation from a steamship stop to an industrial town. Picturesque Rio Vista was established in 1858, at the convergence of the Sacramento River, Steamboat Slough, and Cache Slough. Four years later, the settlement was washed away by flood waters, which rose above twelve feet. Although many relocated, a handful of determined survivors chose to stay and rebuilt the town, only this time, approximately two miles downstream and on higher ground. Once more the Delta town suffered devastation when a fire broke out in 1892, which destroyed much of the downtown business district. Come discover the diversity of Rio Vista's heritage through this photographic collection, by historian and local author Phil Pezzaglia, as he reveals the events that shaped the city, from its beginnings as a steamship stop midway between San Francisco and Sacramento as well as its evolution from fishing community to agriculture to industry. After examining countless images available through local archives and personal collections, Mr. Pezzaglia has chosen an assortment of photographs which depict the community's history. He has augmented those photographs with current images, which illustrate how, in some examples, the landscape of the town has changed, while in other instances, much has remained the same.