Welcome to the California Delta
Home to lush lands, expansive waterways, and majestic views. Ecologically, the area provides a thriving home for the native wildlife – boasting some of the best fishing and bird watching spots in the country. The Delta beckons to those who love life on the water and want to escape the hurried pace of city living.
What was the Delta before?
Life on the Delta wasn’t always a watersports haven. In fact, it didn’t really take off until mid-20th century.
Up until 200 years ago, the marshy land provided hunting and foraging opportunities for local Native American tribes. Then, after the Sutter’s Mill discovery in 1848, more than 300,000 opportunists flocked to California in search of gold.
As cities and towns grew, so did the need for convenient transportation between major settlements in San Francisco, Stockton and Sacramento. Steamers traveled the rivers between the three cities carrying passengers and goods. Smaller towns along the river constructed dikes and levees, dug channels, and erected landings to encourage passing ships to stop and bring economic growth to their citizens.
The Swap and Overflow Act of 1855 allowed several men to claim land that’s now known as Bethel Island, including Warren King Bethell – war veteran and gold rush participant. The site has been a part of California’s rich agricultural industry ever since.
Nearly 30 years later, the dredging of Sandmound Slough and Dutch Slough turned Stone Tract into an island only accessible by boat. Frank and Anna Bethel saw the need for alternate transportation and purchased a 45-foot-wide strip of land to create a one-lane bridge to the mainland.
The growth of the island
With more visitors pouring in, the increase of traffic became difficult to manage on the narrow bridge built by the Bethels. The board of supervisors recognized this, and began the installation of a larger, more modern bridge.
Today, Bethel Island occupies around 3,500 acres. As the “Heart of the Delta,” the land offers a place for permanent residents and weekend visitors who enjoy life on the water.