Our Story

1864-1906

In 1864, a track-laying crew from the Central Pacific Railroad came eastward across the plains from Sacramento, building the western half of the nation's first transcontinental railroad. They crossed a small rail line that linked the young towns of Lincoln and Folsom and gave the spot the unimaginative name of Junction.

For the next forty years, Junction evolved into Roseville, a small trading center for area farmers. It was greatly overshadowed in those days by its neighbor to the north, Rocklin, where the Southern Pacific Railroad maintained its Roundhouse facilities. In 1906, with the goal of expansion, Southern Pacific moved its facilities to Roseville, opening the door for Roseville to one day host the largest railroad switching yards west of the Mississippi.

Overnight the composition of the town changed from a small rural community when “hoards of newcomers” consisting of railroad construction workers, gamblers, prostitutes, “and practically every other type of individual imaginable, good and bad, swarmed into town to capitalize on the boom conditions which accompanied the railroad movement from Rocklin.”
“Drunkenness and rowdyism became so commonplace the railroad even threatened to move its newly established facilities out of town.”
On Jan. 21, 1909, a “Petition to Incorporate the Town of Roseville” appeared in the Register. On April 2, 1909 William Sawtelle, R.F. Theile, William Haman, Dr. Bradford Woodbridge and R.H. Wells were elected as the city’s first trustees.
The new City attempted to combat the rowdyism with a host of City Constables, City Marshals, and Night Watchmen: James Hovet, R.J. Fletcher, L.L. Crocker. J.D. Tackett, O.L. Legault, A.C. Johnson, J.E. Beckwith, Louis B. Allen, J. Opperud, J.F. Harper, and Fred Farnham.
1906 – 1931
1931 - 2002
The City of Roseville incorporated, built sewer lines, and organized its fire department. During the three-year period between 1911 and 1914, the citizens of Roseville erected more than one-hundred structures.
On Jan. 21, 1909, a “Petition to Incorporate the Town of Roseville” appeared in the Register. Three months later, on April 2, 1909, the people of Roseville went to the polls and of the 300 votes cast, 241 voted for incorporation while 59 voted in opposition. William Sawtelle, R.F. Theile, William Haman, Dr. Bradford Woodbridge and R.H. Wells were elected as the city’s first trustees.
Formation of a Board of Trustees and the selection of a mayor signified the end of Roseville, the peaceful little town and the beginning of Roseville, the modern city.
Municipal improvements continued to progress. The now uniformed Police Department reorganized and expanded in 1931 with Russell Carter appointed as Chief.
The Roseville Police Officers Association was founded. We remain committed to serving Roseville's residents and visitors in an innovative, collaborative, and inclusive manner. Our members respond, without hesitation, to an ever-growing scope of emergencies across Roseville and surrounding region. We proudly serve our community and appreciate your continued support.
2002 - present