CITY HISTORY
A quick overview of Modesto
- During the 1870s the Central Pacific Railroad began its run though the Central Valley and the area now known as Modesto.
- The town was first called Ralston after William Ralston of San Francisco, a financier and director of the railroad. After only a week, the name was changed to Modesto, the Spanish word for "modest" after Ralston’s "modest" refusal to have the town named after him.
- In 1871, Modesto became the county seat of Stanislaus.
- In 1884, Modesto was incorporated, making it an official city. A municipal government was adopted until a charter form of government was established in 1911.
Water was the lifeblood of the Modesto economy from the very beginning. As a result, Modesto Irrigation District (MID) was organized in 1887. This led to canal irrigation, which was completed in 1903.
- Water was so important to the town’s success that in 1912, the citizens erected the Modesto arch on I Street, giving water top billing in its motto, “Water, Wealth, Contentment, Health.”
- By Modesto’s 50th Anniversary in 1920, the city had a population of 9,241 and the county had 43,557.
- The progressive and innovative spirit of Modestans has twice earned Modesto the title of an “All American City”, in 1954 and again in 1972, by the National Municipal League.
- Today’s population of approximately 190,000 offers a desirable lifestyle and quality of life for all Modesto residents.