Antioch

Antioch, city, Contra Costa county, western California, U.S. Lying on the San Joaquin River, it was founded as Smith’s Landing in 1849. In 1851 it was renamed for the biblical Antioch, and it developed from a small agricultural community into a major industrial complex. Many national manufacturers have large plants there, producing paper and fibreboard, chemicals, and steel. The city hosts an annual jamboree and a blues festival. Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge, which was closed to the public for 16 years, protects the habitat of several endangered species. Immediately to the northwest, at the mouth of the Sacramento River, is the Delta region, which supports fruit orchards and facilities for water sports, fishing, and hunting. Inc. 1872. Pop. (2010) 102,372; (2020) 115,291.