MENDOTA came into being in 1891 when the Southern Pacific Railroad was building a rail line from Los Banos to Armona and they needed switching and storage facilities at a midway point on the line.
The railroad built a large station, a roundhouse and warehouse. The site had an artesian well, a number of sidetracks and a turntable. A saloon and hotel were built. On July 21, 1892, the post office opened and a school district was formed.
In 1903, the first irrigation well was dug. Gustave Hernighaus owned a huge ranch across the San Joaquin River from Mendota. He was a large factor in the economy of the town since his employees lived there and he was a major shipper on the railroad.
The railroad tore down the roundhouse in 1910 and removed many of the tracks. About this time, Herminghaus sold his land. This had an impact on the town and slowed its growth. Irrigation made farming possible and as crop production increased, the town began to grow. Many farm workers made Mendota their home.
Mendota was incorporated in 1942. Today, the major crops grown in the area include cantaloupes, tomatoes, corn, cotton, broccoli, and watermelons.
Historical Information from "The Heartland's Heritage", written by Catherine Rehart
| Mendota Wagon Train Schedule | ||
| Assembly Information: | Thursday, April 6th | |
| 4:00 pm | ||
| McCabe Elementary | ||
| 250 S. Derrick Ave | ||
| Participating School: | McCabe Elementary | |
| Superintendent: | Gilbert Rossette | |
| Evening Schedule: | 5:00 pm | Dinner |
| 6:00 -- 9:00 pm | Wagon Train Activities | |
| 9:00 pm | Camp Lights Out | |
| Departure Information: | Thursday, April 7th | |
| 9:00 am | ||
| Morning Schedule: | 6:00 am | Rise |
| 7:00 -- 8:00 am | Breakfast & Chores | |
| 8:00 -- 9:00 am | Preparation For Departure | |
| 9:00 am | Head to Mendota! | |
Please Contact Carole Lester, Fresno Historical Society for further
details.
559.441.0862 fresnocounty150@aol.com
Check back to this page for images from
the Sesquicentennial Wagon Train as we
“Celebrate The Journey” through Fresno County!