Lincoln, CA

Lincoln started in 1859 as a bustling stop along California's first railroad, taking its name from railroad developer Charles Lincoln Wilson. Early transit put the town on the map, but local clay gave Lincoln its true staying power. During World War II, aviation also left its mark when the military established a training field that grew into today's Lincoln Regional Airport. Even as the surrounding Placer County foothills welcome new neighborhoods and modern amenities, the town stays rooted in its origins, anchored by the historic factory that has hummed along Seventh Street for generations.

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Back in the 1870s, entrepreneurs discovered rich clay beds just north of town and founded Gladding, McBean. What began with simple sewer pipes quickly grew into one of the country's most celebrated architectural terra cotta works, producing the decorative tiles, crests, and gargoyles that still adorn historic buildings across the West. The Lincoln plant remains active today, blending traditional clay sculpting and kiln firing with modern technology to craft custom pottery, tiles, and restoration pieces for landmark architecture.

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That creative spirit spills right out into the surrounding downtown. A stroll through the historic district reveals intricate terra cotta medallions set into vintage brick facades, alongside local art galleries and colorful street murals. A few blocks away, Beermann Plaza serves as the town's open-air gathering spot for weekend farmers markets, evening concerts, and annual holiday tree lightings. With cozy cafes, a lively community theater, and family-owned shops, downtown offers a relaxed, walkable charm that makes it easy for newcomers to feel at home.

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On warm summer evenings, much of the community heads over to McBean Stadium. Built by factory workers in 1925, the ballpark is home to the Lincoln Potters, a collegiate summer baseball team whose name nods to the town's pottery roots. The recently upgraded stadium sits inside McBean Park, surrounded by shaded picnic pavilions, a municipal pool, playgrounds, and youth ballfields. It is the kind of neighborhood park where you can spend an afternoon swimming with the kids, stay for a Little League game, and finish the night cheering on the Potters under the stadium lights.