Salinas History

The original settlers in Salinas were small tribes of Native Americans who established homes in the area centuries before any other settlers.  In 1822, when Mexico seceded from Spain, the country began offering land grants (called “ranchos”) in the area now known as Salinas, and two ranchos were offered to settlers – Sausal and Nacional.  When California became a territory of the United States, it was on parts of these ranchos that the city of Salinas came to be built.

In the early 1850’s, James Bryant Hill, who came to be known as an agricultural pioneer, purchased Rancho Nacional, and he began growing wheat.  Up until this time, this fertile land had mostly been used to raise cattle.  In 1852, Rancho Sausal, was purchased by Jacob Leese, who later sold a portion of it to Elias Howe.

Two other settlers eventually purchased Howe’s property, and combined it with a 160 acre plot of land.  In 1867, these settlers formed a partnership with

cattle rancher Eugene Sherwood, and together they laid out a city a half-mile square called Salinas.

Five years later, realizing how important a railroad would be to the agricultural community in Salinas, Sherwood offered free land to the Southern Pacific Railroad, which opened a train depot in 1872. Two years later, the city of Salinas was incorporated.

Salinas Farming

Salinas, California is known as the “Salad Bowl of the World” for being the producer of 80% of the lettuce grown in the United States.  Its name derives from the Spanish word for salt, because of its proximity to the many salt marshes in the region.

Salinas is one of California’s richest farming communities.  In addition to the abundance of lettuce produced here, Salinas also produces large crops of strawberries, cabbage, carrots, watermelon, and spinach.  Many of the nation’s large vegetable producers, including Dole Fresh Vegetables, are headquartered in Salinas.

Salinas Demographics

• The population of Salinas is 147,840.
• 32% of the city of Salinas is under 19 years of age, with a median age of 28.
• The median household income is approximately $50,000 annually.
• The median home price in Salinas is approximately $560,000.

Salinas is a multi-cultural community.  Approximately 51% of the people in Salinas are of Hispanic descent, while African-Americans, Asian-Americans and Caucasians comprise much of the remaining population.

Salinas Temperature

• The average temperature in Salinas is 68 degrees
• Summer time highs in Salinas range from the low to mid 70’s. 
• Winter lows are generally in the mid 60’s.

Salinas Motto

The official motto for Salinas is “Valley of the World”, a term coined by John Steinbeck due to the location of Salinas between the Gabilan and Santa Lucia mountain ranges.