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The history of Antioch
Antioch's riverfront, historic core and growing neighborhoods connect local life to the San Joaquin Delta.
People who shaped Antioch
These milestones are an introduction, not a complete local history. Follow the linked city and museum sources to explore the people and places behind them.Read the local historical account.
Watch the city’s history
FROM THE ARCHIVES
The history of Antioch, California
A local history film shared by World History Official tv.
Watch on YouTube ↗Famous people born in Antioch
See all 28 famous people
- 1848
Marsh's Landing
John Marsh built a landing on the San Joaquin River, creating an early shipping point in what is now Antioch.
Antioch city reference ↗ - 1849
Smith's Landing is founded
William and Joseph Smith purchased land west of Marsh's Landing and founded a settlement called Smith's Landing.
Antioch city reference ↗ - 1851
The Antioch name
Residents voted at a July 4 picnic to rename Smith's Landing after the ancient city of Antioch.
Antioch city reference ↗ - 1872
City incorporation
Antioch incorporated as a California city.
Antioch city reference ↗ - 2018
BART reaches Antioch
The Antioch BART station opened, strengthening the city's connection to the wider Bay Area.
Antioch city reference ↗
See the history for yourself.
Walk downtown Antioch’s Rivertown district past the El Campanil Theatre, which opened in 1928. Check current opening hours before visiting the Antioch Historical Museum.
For deeper research, the Antioch library resources is a starting point for archival material and research help. Historic photographs have their own permissions; we link to the collection instead of treating every old image as free to reuse.
Selected milestones researched September 13, 2026. This is an introduction, not a complete account of the city’s history.