Stockton, located at the top of a accessible channel, about 90 miles inland from San Francisco Bay, allowed the city to become a major shipping point for many of the agricultural and manufactured goods of Northern California.

The Delta created by the confluence of several rivers and man-made channels, includes 1,000 miles of waterways and defines Stockton's geography. Wildlife, irrigation, transportation, and recreation all owe their success to the muddy waters of the San Joaquin Delta. Stockton and environs have long been known in the entertainment industry as location-rich.

Stockton has been culturally and ethnically diverse since its beginning as a muddy-street gold-rush camp. Today's diversity is reflected in Stockton street names, many ethnic festivals, architecture, and the faces and heritage of its citizens.