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One of the oldest settlements in Fresno County can be found just minutes away from Fresno. Situated on the San Joaquin River, just a couple of miles downstream from the mining camp of Millerton, the location was perfect for a ferry business. In fact, such an operation was needed to provide a way for miners and those traveling the stage road along the foothills to cross the river. In 1852, Charles Porter Converse and W.W. Worland established a ferry. Converse, who had by 1868 owned the entire business, sold it to James Richardson Jones. In addition to operating the ferry, Jones ran a store and hotel on the river’s north bank. The settlement was popularly called Jonesville.
After Jones’ death in 1877, the clerk in Jones‘ store, William R. Hampton, leased the businesses. Later, Hampton and his wife Catherine, bought land on the south side of the river and built a new hotel and store. He also built a home for his family and changed the name of the settlement to Hamptonville.
In 1884, the Jenny Lind Bridge, the first reinforced concrete bridge in Fresno County, was built across the San Joaquin River. The ferry was no longer needed and the roads around Hamptonville grew quiet.
Then, in 1891, Marcus Pollasky built a railroad on the east side of Fresno. When the line reached Hamptonville, William Hampton sold his interests and moved his family to Fresno. The town was again renamed -- now it was called Pollasky. Even though Pollasky skipped town, the town kept its name until the early 1900s when the name was changed to Friant in honor of Thomas Friant, who was a partner in the White-Friant Lumber Company.
Historical Information from "The Heartland's Heritage", written by Catherine Rehart
| Friant Wagon Train Schedule |  |
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| Assembly Information: | Monday, April 17th | |
| 4:00 pm | ||
| Clovis Rodeo Grounds | ||
| 748 Rodeo Drive | ||
| Participating School: | Polk School - Central Unified School District | |
| Superintendent: | Marilou Ryder | |
| Schedule: | 8:00 -- 9:00 am | Preparation for Departure |
| 9:00 am | Head to Grange Grove! | |
| Stop Along The Way For A Tour Of The Fort Miller Blockhouse | ||
| 4:30 pm | Arrival Time at Grange Grove | |
| 5:00 pm | Dinner | |
| 6:00 pm | Participation in Millerton Ceremony | |
| 7:00 -- 9:00 pm | Wagon Train Activities | |
| 6:00 am | Rise | |
| 9:00 pm | Camp Lights Out | |
| 10:00 pm | Gates Locked | |
PREPARE TO HEAD DOWNTOWN TO
THE SANTA FE DEPOT!
HAPPY 150th BIRTHDAY FRESNO COUNTY!
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!