As we headed back to Tahoe, we had a quick connect with our friends Lee and Margaret in the historic little town of Fairfield.

Founded by clipper-ship captain Robert Waterman in 1856 and named for his hometown of Fairfield, Connecticut. Waterman founded the town following failed attempts to establish a port city at nearby Bridgeport/Cordelia. Eventually, it became the county seat of Solano County.

However, Fairfield had much more to offer than just its government center. Following its incorporation as a city in 1903, a bond measure was passed that created much- needed improvements, and with the re-routing of the Lincoln Highway through the town in 1915, Texas Street finally developed into a bustling center.
One such business on Texas Street was where we had lunch (currently Joe's Buffet). At the business’ grand opening in 1953, it was called the Fairfield Delicatessen. I love eating in history!

The county was named after this man, Sem-Yeto (1798- 1851),  a leader of the Suisunes, a Patwin people of the Suisun Bay region of northern California. Baptized as Francisco Solano and also known as Chief Solano, he was a notable Native American leader in Alta California because of his alliance, friendship, and eventually the support of his entire tribe to General Vallejo of Sonoma. He allied himself with Vallejo, and assisted him in quelling Native American uprisings north and west of Sonoma between 1836 and 1843. He was somewhat controversial. History can be found in some interesting places.
I've decided the backside of statues can be as interesting as the front.
And how amazing is the Old Courthouse (1911) perfectly situated in the middle of town?
Since it was Martin Luther King Day all government businesses were closed. I would have loved to have explored inside.
Originally designed by E.C. Hemmings in 1911, this two-story, 29,900-square-foot courthouse is an outstanding example of Beaux Arts architecture.

We delighted in just strolling the grounds. Steve is on a special platform commemorating Free Speech. All so interesting and such a surprise to find here.
The winged statue of the goddess Victoria was added in January of 1920, to commemorate Solano County's fallen soldiers of World War I. Their names are listed on the pedestal. I was surprised at the quantity.
We have driven past Fairfield dozens of times over the years and never once stopped to learn some of its history. It is one of those towns to which we will return. Thanks to Margaret for the suggestion.