Sebastopol

Sebastopol is a city in Sonoma County, California, United States. It is located in the western part of the county in the Russian River Valley, about 11 miles west of Santa Rosa, along State Route 12. The town serves as a regional center for agriculture, arts, and small businesses, and it sits near the coast in a climate that is generally mild with wet winters and dry summers.

The area was settled in the mid-19th century and named after the Siege of Sevastopol during the Crimean War. Its early economy centered on timber and ranching, increasingly complemented by fruit growing. The Gravenstein apple, once a dominant crop in the region, remains a cultural emblem of Sebastopol. The city was incorporated in 1902 and has since developed a historic downtown with shops, restaurants, and galleries, as well as redeveloped districts such as the Barlow that host markets, studios, and events.

Economy and culture in Sebastopol blend agriculture, tourism, and the arts. The city is known for farmers markets, small indie businesses, and cultural institutions such as the Sebastopol Center for the Arts. Annual events and local fairs reflect the community’s emphasis on sustainability, local food, and creative enterprises.

As of the 2020s, Sebastopol has roughly 7,500 residents. It operates under a council-manager form of government and is served by local schools and community services that support its family-friendly, arts-oriented character.