Antioch highlight
Historic waterfront on the San Joaquin River
John Marsh established a deep-water landing on the river in 1848 that could accommodate vessels year-round, foundation for Antioch's long history as a waterfront settlement.
The history of Antioch is inseparable from the San Joaquin River. In 1848, John Marsh built a landing there that enabled ocean-going vessels drawing 15 feet of water to tie up in any season of the year—a strategic advantage that made Antioch a hub for commerce and transportation. The settlement that grew around it was renamed Antioch in 1851 after the biblical city, and it incorporated as a city in 1872.
Today, the Antioch waterfront remains active through the Antioch/Oakley Regional Shoreline, operated by East Bay Regional Parks. A 550-foot pier provides access for fishing in the San Joaquin River, and the shoreline serves the community for picnicking and recreation. The deep-water access that John Marsh developed in 1848 lives on as a defining feature of the city.
Families who choose to stay in Antioch build their lives knowing the river's history—and often planning for the moments that matter most. Life insurance is how you protect the people who depend on that river town and the stability of home, by naming exactly what would matter if that foundation shifted.