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History

Fresno has the unusual distinction of being a town formed out of both destruction and prosperity. Most of Fresno’s early settlers were residents of Millerton, and then located on the banks of the San Joaquin River. However, the residents of Millerton became victims to a massive flood on Christmas Eve of 1867, which prompted many survivors to relocate.

In 1872, the area to be known as Fresno became home to the Central Pacific Railroad. Soon a store was opened and eventually the town of Fresno Station grew. Fresno Station would eventually become the town of Fresno. As the town grew, many former residents of Millerton moved to the area for its many conveniences and to avoid the possibility of more flooding in their former home.

Fresno is named for the local ash trees that were abundant in the valley during its early years. The Spanish word for ash tree is Fresno. Similar to many early settlement towns, Fresno’s early years were characterized as “typical” western town. The city suffered two major fires, in 1882 and 1883, before it was incorporated.

The city of Fresno became the county seat of Fresno County in 1874 and was incorporated in 1885. Although the area is home to bountiful harvests and beautiful weather, there are also the dangers of flooding and fire that are a part of the California life. In 1944, the completion of Friant Dam led to the flooding of Millerton once again. The ruins of the county’s first seat can be seen when the reservoir shrinks during extreme droughts.

Fresno is rich in history and thanks to the vital role played by the Fresno City and County Historical Society (founded in 1919) much of this region’s unique history has been collected, preserved and interpreted for the generations to come. Through its educational programs, the Historical Society hopes to instill an interest in Fresno, Fresno County, and the state of California.

Museums throughout the area are brimming with collections that tell story upon story of the humble beginnings of Fresno and the pioneers who, in a sense, gave birth to this burgeoning community. The city has come a long way from its early days. Today, Fresno is a vibrant community that has progressed from those humble beginnings but still takes the time to proudly remember its past.

The Fresno Water Tower

Built in 1894 at the corner of Fresno and O Streets, the Fresno Water Tower is a striking historic landmark. Chicago architect George Washington Maher designed the Water Tower, which stands 100 feet high, with a double round interior wall that supports a storage tank that held 250,000 gallons of water.

Shut down in 1963 when the structure was no longer adequate for the increasing needs of the community, the Water Tower remained a prominent fixture in Fresno. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and was declared an American Water Landmark one year later.

The Fresno Convention & Visitors Bureau, with help from the City of Fresno, County of Fresno, Downtown Rotary Club, and numerous private individuals, spent two years and more than $500,000 to renovate the structure and convert it into a visitor center.

Additional information regarding Fresno’s history can be found at www.valleyhistory.org