Port History

The Port, originally named Port of Sacramento, has been an integral part of the West Sacramento Community since its origination. The original idea to create an inland port to increase commerce in the Sacramento region is credited to Major Paul Norboe in 1916.  He began to advocate for a deep water channel and harbor with the State and the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce.  Then in the 1930's, the "Father of the Port," William G. "Bill" Stone continued to advocate for a deep water port to lower freight costs, create local jobs and industrial development. He successfully convinced the US Army Corps of Engineers to restudy the deep water channel.  The Corps proposed a 43 mile channel from the Sacramento River in Rio Vista through the Delta into Yolo County, what is now the City of West Sacramento.

The Port construction project was authorized by Congress in 1946 and the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce appointed the Port District members. In 1947, by an overwhelming majority, the voters created the Sacramento-Yolo Port District.  The channel's construction groundbreaking was in 1949 and was finally completed in 1960, after several funding halts.  The terminal construction began in 1962 and the first ship arrived on 1963.

In 2005, the City of West Sacramento took control over the Port of Sacramento and renamed the Port in 2008 to the Port of West Sacramento. The Port and City are busy expanding into new Green markets while still maintaining our commitment to our agricultural roots. 

To learn more about the history of our Port, please visit the West Sacramento Historical Society.

The Port & West Sacramento

The Port provides economic and recreational benefits to West Sacramento

Economic Benefits
Several thousand Jobs associated with the Port and Goods Movement
Easy access for Northern California Farmers

Recreation
Barge Canal Park- Maintained by the City of West Sacramento
    Walking/Bike Trail
    Kayak/Row Boat Launch
    Fishing Access Points

Boat Clubs
   River City Rowing Club
   Lake Washington Sailing Club
   UC Davis Rowing Club
   Washington Outboard Club