Fresno

Fresno
City
City of Fresno
Country	United States
State	California
County	Fresno County
Founded	1872
Time zone	UTC-8 (Pacific (PST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-7 (PDT)

Fresno is a city located in Central Valley of California, United States. It is the county seat of Fresno County and is one of the largest cities in the state. Fresno serves as the economic hub of Fresno County and the surrounding areas in the Central Valley, which are primarily engaged in large-scale agricultural production.

History

Fresno was founded in 1872 by the Central Pacific Railroad Company and was named after the Spanish word for 'ash tree', referring to the abundant ash trees lining the San Joaquin River. The city was incorporated in 1885 and experienced significant growth due to its strategic location, serving as a railroad and later highway center.

Geography

Fresno is situated approximately in the center of the San Joaquin Valley and covers a significant area with diverse landscapes ranging from metropolitan areas to farmland. It has a characteristic Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Economy

The economy of Fresno is heavily dependent on agriculture, with the surrounding Fresno County being a leading producer of agricultural products in the nation. Key crops include grapes, almonds, and poultry. In addition to agriculture, the city has diversified its economy to include sectors such as healthcare, education, and retail.

Demographics

Fresno is a culturally diverse city with a significant portion of its population being of Hispanic or Latino origin. The city also has sizable communities of Caucasians, Asians, and African Americans.

Education

Fresno is home to several higher education institutions, including California State University, Fresno, commonly known as Fresno State, which is known for its strong programs in agriculture, business, and engineering.

Culture

Fresno boasts a vibrant cultural scene with numerous theaters, galleries, and museums. The city hosts several annual events that celebrate its diverse community, including the Fresno Fair and the Fresno Food Expo.

Transportation

Fresno is served by several major highways, including State Route 99 and State Route 41, making it a key transportation hub in the Central Valley. The city also has a public transportation system, Fresno Area Express (FAX), and is served by the Fresno Yosemite International Airport.

Government

The government of Fresno operates under a strong-mayor system where the mayor has significant administrative powers. The city council consists of members elected from seven city council districts.

See also

• List of cities in California
• History of California
• Economy of California