Located about 100 miles inland from the coast, Sacramento isnA[a¬a[t always considered a port town. Yet beginning in the mid-1850s, barges, riverboats, and steamers began plying the river between here and San Francisco, carrying passengers, supplies, livestock, and produce between the coast and valley regions. The deepwater era began in 1911, when plans began on a canal and lock system that could accommodate large ships. In 1947, the SacramentoA[a¬aYolo Port District was created, ushering in many decades of worldwide shipping and commerce that was critical to the growth of California. Along the way, the facility hosted virtually every manner of oceangoing vessel and cargoes and equipment of every description.