Nestled at the base of Mount Diablo in the Diablo Valley, Walnut Creek is a prosperous East Bay community with a rich history. In 1772, Capt. Pedro Pages led the first Spanish exploration party into Contra Costa County. They encountered the Bolbones Indians, the original inhabitants of the region. In 1849, William Slusher, the first settler, arrived to build a house on the bank of what was then Nuts Creek. Until 1862, Walnut Creek was known as The Corners; the intersection of two dirt roads leading from Pacheco and Oakland and where four Mexican land grants met. The Corners was officially renamed Walnut Creek, and over time its walnut and pear orchards gave way to today's modern community. Walnut Creek is home to thriving businesses, spectacular natural settings, and family values. This transformation over a period of 200 years is the remarkable story of a classic American city.

In this volume, Walnut Creek resident Catherine A. Accardi presents a noteworthy collection of vintage photographs of this dynamic city. These distinctive images have been gathered from local historical societies and family archives and depict the charming history of Walnut Creek.

The Images of America series celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today. Arcadia is proud to play a part in the preservation of local heritage, making history available to all.

The book is a new, trade paperback, published in 2009 by Arcadia Publishing. It measures 9" x 6" and weighs 0.65 pounds.