Arden-Arcade is a vibrant community. The first inhabitants were members of the Valley Nisenan tribe: however, world events, including the arrival of Europeans and the Gold Rush of 1849, changed the area's dynamics in drastic ways. Arden-Arcade was part of the Mexican land grant known as the Rancho Del Paso. When Col. James Ben Ali Haggin became the owner of Rancho Del Paso, it became known for breeding champion racehorses. The horse that won the Kentucky Derby in 1886-aptly named Ben Ali-was bred on Rancho Del Paso. In 1905, Orlando Robertson, owner of the Sacramento Colonization Company, purchased the land and began mapping out tracts for development, later advertising the area as the perfect place to farm citrus, olives, and hops. After World War II, Arden-Arcade experienced a boom of economic development.

The construction of Town and Country Village, Country Club Centre, and Arden Fair Mall fueled the growth of residential homes. US Route 40 boasted numerous travel accommodations and was a popular destination until the construction of the Capital City Freeway. Notably, the area features many mid-century modern homes and buildings with Googie architecture. Colette Kavanaugh is a resident and business owner in Arden-Arcade. The images in this book are from the Sacramento Room at the Sacramento Public Library, Center of Sacramento History, California State Library, Bancroft Library, and citizens of Arden-Arcade who shared personal photographs and memorabilia. The Images of America series celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today. Arcadia is proud to play a part in the preservation of local heritage, making history available to all.