How We're Helping
We are a community-based, 501(c)(3) organization focused on maintaining and preserving California historical landmarks for future generations. With the help of our tireless staff, we organize fundraisers, maintain and replace California Historical Landmark markers and plaques, and educate the public about the importance of the history that built the great state of California.
Get Involved
At last count there are 33 California Historical Landmark plaques or markers missing and 118 that were never dedicated at all. These plaques give valuable historical information and deserve to be replaced or installed. We need your help! Are you passionate about what we're doing? Let us know. We are always looking for volunteers to help make our vision a reality. We'll help you find a way to volunteer that best suits you.
UPDATE: WITH YOUR HELP WE HAVE REPLACED THIS MISSING LANDMARK PLAQUE
TRANQUILLITY, Calif. - May 25, 2021 – The California Landmark Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Fresno, in collaboration with the Bill Beaver Project is set to unveil a new state historical plaque on June 26, 2021 at 1pm. The plaque replaces the old plaque which was stolen approximately 1969. The monument, which is located on Highway 180, .3 miles west of James Road, Tranquillity, CA commemorates the site of Fresno City.
Fresno City (on the slough) is a former settlement in Fresno County, California. The town was started in 1855, at the head of navigation on Fresno Slough. A pier was built to accommodate flatboats and barges that could make it up the shallow slough. Warehouses, houses, and the Casa Blanca Hotel were built. In 1858, it became a station on the Butterfield Overland Mail. By 1860, the telegraph line from San Francisco arrived. Plans for a much larger town were contemplated but the Butterfield line closed in early 1861, the Great Flood of 1862 did great damage and the City was practically abandoned by 1865. A post office operated at Fresno City from 1860 to 1863. Today there are no traces of it left.
California Historical Landmark No. 488 was erected with a bronze plaque by the Fresno County Historical Society in 1952 but sometime around 1969 vandals stole the plaque. Funds were raised to replace and install a new California State Historical Plaque.
“It is important to look back and remember the history that founded this great state”, said Ray Najera, Executive Director of the California Landmark Foundation. “Before the railroad and automobiles, the river was the main interstate for transportation of goods and services. Without river towns like Fresno City, Fresno County would not have been able to grow and become as successful as it did”.
The California Landmark Foundation welcomes all to attend the virtual rededication ceremony of the new plaque. The rededication will be aired for the public on June 26, 2021.
You matter
Whether you help through monetary donations, volunteering your time, or spreading our mission through word-of-mouth, we thank you. We couldn't accomplish our goals without the help of supporters like you.