Why was Fresno Built South of the San Joaquin? Unraveling the Mystery of the City’s Missing Riverfront

Photo from Unsplash

Fresno’s city layout is a unique one, with its downtown located several miles south of the San Joaquin River. This is a stark contrast to most cities of its era, which were typically built near major waterways. These waterways often served as focal points for trade, recreation, or identity. Cities like Sacramento, Portland, or even San Antonio are prime examples. The question that arises then is, why was Fresno built south of the San Joaquin?

Answers from Social Media

A discussion on Reddit provides some insights into this. One user points out that many cities, including Fresno, were established around railroad stations. The town of Millerton, which experienced a major flood leading to the destruction of 75% of its buildings, also played a significant role in Fresno’s location…

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