Few People Know Stockton Was Home To The First University In California

Northern California is home to many firsts, both in the county and the state. The first university in the whole state is located in Northern California. University of the Pacific in Stockton was chartered as California’s first institution of higher learning in 1851.

Google Images/University of the Pacific

Located in Northern California’s central valley in the city of Stockton, this university was first named Wesleyan College, then College of the Pacific, to its current name, University of the Pacific.

Rob Corder/Flickr

The private school is a liberal arts college and graduate school with schools of business, dentistry, engineering, law, music, and health sciences.

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In 1871, the university opened its doors to women, making it the first independent campus in California open to men and women. In 1878, the Conservatory of Music opened at the university -- the first of its kind west of the Mississippi River.

Shalom Studio and Events/Google Images

The University of the Pacific has been used in numerous Hollywood movies– High Time, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Dead Man on Campus, Flubber, and other films.

Jim Sugar/Corbis Documentary via Getty Images

Inside the library you’ll find an exhibit dedicated to journalist and naturalist John Muir. The John Muir Center is home to the John Muir papers, a collection of Muir’s notes, journals, and correspondence that are available for use.

Rob Corder/Flickr

Visitors are welcome to book a guided tour or tour the campus on their own time. Maps of the Stockton campus are available on the university’s website.

Have you toured the first university in Northern California? What is your favorite Northern California first? Take part in the discussion on our Facebook Page.