Fresno, CA: Vibrant and Alive
Fresno, CA was founded in 1872 by the Central Pacific Railroad. Less than twenty years later, Fresno grew to support a population of 10,000 people. Many residents were drawn to the area by abundant farm land, temperate weather, and (of course!) the omnipresent lure of striking it rich in the gold mines. “Fresno” means “ash tree” in Spanish, and the city’s flag is adored by an ash leaf. As you can probably tell, the city was named for its abundance of trees.
If you love the outdoors, Fresno, CA has a lot to offer! Three national parks, including the world famous Yosemite National Park, are only a short drive away. Fresno is also home to Woodward Park, which was founded in 1968 when long-term resident Ralph Woodward bequeathed a large portion of his estate to the city. Woodward Park features a multi-use 2,500 seat amphitheater and a beautiful Shinzen Japanese Garden.
- Fresno shines in the agricultural sector, with over 200 crops produced by 7,500 farmers in the county. The estimated net worth of Fresno’s agricultural prowess? Over $3 Billion.
- Armenian immigrants moved to Fresno in the 1880’s and brought with them their long-held expertise in raisin production. Perhaps you’ve heard of the California Raisins? Thank Fresno, CA!
- Fresno has a rich cultural scene and is home to the famous Saroyan Theatre, Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra, Fresno Ballet, Fresno Grand Opera, and several museums. The annual Fresno Blues Festival takes place each October in the Tower District beneath the famous water tower for which the district was named.
- Fresno is a great jumping-off point for the golf lover in your life. World famous Pebble Beach is only a two hour drive away.
Whether you love the outdoors, history, culture, or agriculture, Fresno has you covered! Learn more about Fresno, CA using the links below.
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