During the 1850s, Davis saw the first buildings within what would become town. In 1853, Joseph B. Chiles and others purchased "Rancho Laguna de Santos Calle" from M. Vaca and subdivided it. The title would be called into question in three years. During that same year, Jerome C. Davis established a stock ranch at what would become 1st and A Streets.
Joshua B. Tufts settled on south side of Putah Creek in 1855 one mile southwest of present downtown Davis.
During 1856, the U.S. Land Commission rejected the Rancho Laguna de Santos Calle claim, resulting in clouded titles in area until 1864 congressional "Act to Quiet Titles".
