USDA Geographic Eligibility Statistics for California Postal Zip Code 93908

Interested in some fun facts and history about Salinas, CA?
Read on!

Here are a few facts about Salinas, California:

- Salinas is the county seat and largest municipality of Monterey County with a population of approximately 156,000 residents as of 2019.
- Salinas is known as the "Salad Bowl of the World" due to its large agricultural industry, particularly its production of lettuce, broccoli, grapes, and strawberries.
- The city is home to the John Steinbeck House, a national historic landmark and the birthplace and childhood home of renowned American author John Steinbeck.
- Salinas hosts an annual airshow, the California International Airshow Salinas, which has been held since 1981 and is considered one of the top airshows in the United States.

As for its history:

- Salinas has a long history dating back to the Native American Ohlone tribe, who inhabited the area for thousands of years before Spanish colonialism in the 18th century.
- In the 19th century, Salinas became a major agricultural center with the arrival of settlers from Europe and Asia, particularly Chinese immigrants who worked in the fields and operated businesses in the city.
- During World War II, Salinas was an important production center for fruits and vegetables used to feed U.S. troops overseas.
- Throughout the 20th century, Salinas faced challenges related to labor and civil rights, including a major farmworker strike in 1970 led by labor leader Cesar Chavez, and racial tensions stemming from the city's growing Hispanic population. Today, Salinas remains a diverse and growing community with a rich history.