The exact origin of the name Lodi, California, is uncertain, though several popular local theories exist.
The town was founded in 1869 and originally named Mokelumne (or Mokelumne Station) after the nearby river. In 1874, citizens changed the name to Lodi to avoid mail and freight confusion with other similarly named regional towns.
Popular Theories on the Name's Origin
- Lodi, Italy: A common theory suggests the town was named after Lodi, Italy, which is famous for Napoleon Bonaparte's 1796 victory at the Bridge of Lodi.
- Lodi, Illinois: Another widely discussed explanation is that early settlers who relocated from Lodi, Illinois, suggested naming the new California settlement after their former hometown.
- A Local Racehorse: Local folklore also claims the town was named after a popular regional racehorse or trotting horse of that era
