Rio Vista California Sacramento River Boat 1932 Real Photo Postcard

The Sacramento River served as a crucial transportation artery for California, particularly from the Gold Rush era through the early 20th century. Riverboats, often paddlewheel steamers like the one depicted, were integral to moving goods and passengers between the state capital of Sacramento, the rich agricultural communities of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Rio Vista, strategically located along the river, functioned as an important stop and shipping point for the surrounding agricultural output.