Wilmington, CA

Wilmington is a city located in the San Francisco Bay Area, in northern California. The population was 116,098 at the 2010 census. Wilmington is the largest city in Contra Costa County and the fifth largest city in the Bay Area. It is also part of the San Francisco- Oakland- Hayward, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area as well as being part of the larger East Bay and Greater Sacramento metropolitan areas.

The City of Wilmington was founded on August 25, 1849, by Major General W.S. Harney who named it for his former home town of Wilmington, North Carolina. The first post office opened in 1850. In 1852, Commodore John D. Sloat claimed California for the United States after he captured Monterey from Mexico during the Mexican-American War; this made Harney's town one of only two American settlements on what would become known as Alameda County (the other being Fremont).

Wilmington grew rapidly during the late 19th century as a result of its location near major transportation routes - including both railroads and highways - and its access to abundant water resources (including both fresh water supplies and hydroelectric power). By 1900, it had become one of California's most important industrial centers; however, this growth came to an abrupt halt with World War II when many manufacturing plants were converted to war production or closed down altogether due to rationing and other wartime restrictions.

Since then, Wilmington has experienced a gradual revival as a result of its excellent transportation links (including both freeways and airports), its proximity to major business districts in Oakland and San Francisco (as well as Sacramento), its abundance of affordable housing stock (both new construction and resale), and its strong economic base (which includes both high-tech companies and traditional businesses such as agriculture). In recent years, Wilmington has also experienced rapid growth due to increasing demand for housing within commuting distance of major job centers - especially Silicon Valley - as well as increased interest from young families seeking suburban lifestyles close to amenities but without having to deal with high prices or crowded conditions typical found in urban areas