[11] Other nearby cities include Vacaville, Winters, Davis, Woodland, and Rio Vista.

The first semi-permanent European settlement to develop in the Dixon area emerged during the California Gold Rush of the mid-19th century when the community of Silveyville was founded in 1852 by Elijah Silvey[12] as a halfway point between the Pacific coast and the rich gold fields of Sacramento along a route commonly traveled by miners.

[13] As a result, local leaders decided to physically relocate Silveyville closer to the tracks in order to enjoy the benefits of commerce and travel.

[14] Originally, the city was named "Dicksville" after Thomas Dickson who donated 10 acres of his land for the construction of a railroad depot following the completion of the tracks and subsequent relocation of Silveyville to the now-Dixon area.

[12] However, when the first rail shipment of merchandise arrived from San Francisco in 1872, it was mistakenly addressed to "Dixon"—a name that has been used since, mainly out of simplicity.

[15] The city operates a municipal police and fire department, and water system & wastewater treatment plant.

The Jackson Fay Brown House and the Dixon Carnegie library are on the National Register of Historic Places.

[24] In 2014 Cool Patch Pumpkins again broke its own record by growing a 60-acre maze.

[25] A Milk Farm Restaurant sign, measuring 100 feet tall,[3] was built in May 1963[3] and still stands today at the intersection of State Route 113 and Interstate 80.

[29] A stage on the fairground was named in honor of country singer Jon Pardi,[30] who grew up in Dixon.

Amtrak Capitol Corridor also passes through Dixon over the UP mainline but the nearest station stops are at Davis and Fairfield–Vacaville.

Amtrak's California Zephyr and Coast Starlight also pass through Dixon without stopping.

[45] The Dixon Tribune newspaper was founded November 14, 1874.,[12] but ceased publication after its January 31, 2024 issue.

[46] Historically, the Voice of America ran a shortwave transmitter site that was formerly owned and operated by NBC.

NBC built the site in 1944,[47] and it broadcast under the call signs KNBA, KNBH, KNBI, KNBC, and KNBX.

[48] The station was closed between September 2, 1979, and October 1, 1983, and briefly reopened for Spanish language broadcasting until 1988.