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WILLIAM CARUTHERS was born in Vermont in 1840. He came west to California and settled in the Liberty area near present day Riverdale. He purchased three and one-quarter sections of desert land from the state of California for $1.25 per acre. At first, he raised sheep, then in 1888, he began to raise cattle and grain.
In 1888, the Southern Pacific Railroad began grading a line from Kerman south. Caruthers, realizing that the railroad would provide a shipping point for him and other farmers in the area, offered the railroad a half-section of his land. He suggested the property would be a good location for a station and a town site. In exchange, he asked the railroad to give him half of the proceeds from the sale of town lots and name the town CARUTHERS. Two grain companies opened warehouses at the new townsite even before the railroad siding and switch were completed.
A school district and post office were established in 1892. The town began to grow. Grape vineyards and fruit orchards began to replace the grain fields. A high school was built and a number of businesses opened.
The Caruthers District Fair and Parade, which was first held in 1923, draws many to the community each year.
Historical Information from "The Heartland's Heritage", written by Catherine Rehart
| Caruthers Wagon Train Schedule |  |
|
| Assembly Information: | Saturday, April 8th | |
| 4:00 pm | ||
| Caruthers Elementary | ||
| Quince & Tiller Streets | ||
| Participating School: | Alvina Elementary | |
| Caruthers Elementary | ||
| Monroe Elementary | ||
| Raisin City Elementary | ||
| Superintendent: | Dwight Miller | |
| Evening Schedule: | 5:00 pm | Dinner |
| 6:00 -- 9:00 pm | Wagon Train Activities | |
| 9:00 pm | Camp Lights Out | |
| Departure Information: | Thursday, April 9th | |
| 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 Fowler! | |
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!