Visalia Historic Walking Tour

First Grist Mill istorical Background The first grist mill in the southern San Visalia is the county seat of Tulare County. Additional Points of Interest 8Joaquin Valley was built in 1854 on this HFounded in 1852, it is the oldest town site by the Mathews brothers who spent between Stockton and Los Angeles. It is Horse Rings E Historical Homes the first winter in Fort Visalia. Water was located at an elevation of 300 feet above Horses were the early means of transportation added to the brick firehouse and the cornerstone Because Visalia is the oldest city in the San fighting in the war, but they did keep order in diverted from Mill Creek to provide the sea level. The Kaweah River enters the around downtown Visalia. When stopping to was moved to the front of the second story. Joaquin Valley south of Stockton, it has many the community. (See an additional Camp needed power. broad plain east of Visalia and divides Historic do business, a traveler would tie his reins to a The two-story firehouse was torn down in 1909 beautiful homes from the 1800's and early Babbitt monument around the corner at Indian labor was used in constructing into four branches, forming a delta which horse ring. There are twelve known original to make way for a new city fire station/ city hall 1900's which still remain and reflect major 539 North Santa Fe.) the mill, and the Indians would accept was known in the early days as the "Four horse rings from the late 1880's-early 1900's complex, and the cornerstone was placed in architectural styles of that period. A few of only meat in payment of wages. Ed Creeks" country. Visalia grew steadily in still located in the downtown area. They are that building. Subsequently, the Visalia these beautiful old homes and styles are found Reynolds, a nephew of the Mathews the decades which followed, spurred on marked on the map by a symbol. See how Convention Center was built at this location, at this location. Visalia brothers, was employed for $4.00 a day by gold rushes, livestock, railroads, many of them you can locate. and the original 1872 cornerstone was WALKING TRAIL to undertake the dangerous mission of hydroelectrical power and irrigation incorporated in it. (To locate the cornerstone, shooting elk in the Tulare Lake area. water, which was good for agriculture. go to the main entrance of the Convention Grist mills were essential for pioneers. Population figures show how Visalia has Center and look up and to your right.) Father Dade's Academy Of hank You To Our Contributors Corn or wheat was ground for meal or grown through the years: F The Nativity Historian Terry Ommen flour, and rolled oats and bran were A Mill Creek The Visalia Church of the Nativity of the To the early California settlers, this area was Gubler, Koch, Degn & Gomez LLP produced for cattle and poultry food. Blessed Virgin Mary was the first Catholic T Year Population known as the "Four Creeks" country. Visalia Downtown Visalians and Alliance The 1860 census shows that the parish in the lower San Joaquin Valley. On was built around Mill Creek (one of the four City of Visalia Mathews' mill was taking in 20,000 1860 548 C Douglass Tree August 1, 1861, the following announcement creeks), which was a ready source of water, both Tulare County Historical Society bushels of grain/corn a year. The mill was 1870 913 One of the first trees planted in Visalia was a appeared: "A new school under the title for the Yokut Indians and the new settlers. eucalyptus tree, planted by David Douglass next Judge Lloyd Hicks operated continuously on this site until 1880 1,412 'Academy of the Nativity' will commence next Water from Mill Creek was used to create a mill Vice Mayor Phil Cox 1967 when it burned, and was razed. to his home in 1860. In recent times, the week, under the supervision of the Rev. Father 1890 2,885 race which powered the grist mill. In the early Visalia Heritage Inc. Visalia Convention Center was built at this Dade. The building was originally intended as a 1900 3,085 1900's, Mill Creek was "planked over" so that Charter Oak Lions location and the eucalyptus tree stood within its stable, hence the birthplace of our redeemer the waterway flowed under the growing city. In Visalia Host Lions First Store 1910 4,550 courtyard until November 13, 1988, when it suggested the name to the Rev. Father." The the 1950's and 60's, there were discussions Sequoia Kiwanis 1920 5,753 fell. Adjacent to where the tree once stood is following day, a second announcement was Visalia's first store was built on this site that the Mill Creek channel might be used as a Soroptimist International of Visalia, Inc. 1930 7,263 the Vietnam War mural. made: "This academy will be open for the about 1854 by Nathan Baker. It was bomb shelter. Mill Creek also channeled flood Breakfast Rotary 9 1940 8,904 registration of school Monday, August 26, in located across Mill Creek from Fort Visalia waters through town on a recurrent basis, until Kauvaka General Construction 1950 11,749 the commodious building at the northern and served all of Tulare County which Terminus Dam was completed in 1962. Ron Westbrook boundary of the town, and will be under the then encompassed almost the entire lower 1960 15,791 Enjoy a stroll in this park-like setting, to view Kristi Patterson, Graphic Designer personal supervision of the Rev. Father Dade." San Joaquin Valley. 1970 27,268 where modern-day Mill Creek reemerges from D Visalia Saddle Dru Quesnoy Father Dade left Visalia in 1872, and shortly The building next housed a restaurant, 1980 49,729 under ground, as well as native valley oak trees. Around the 1860's, the Mexican saddle makers Josten's Printing & Publishing thereafter the academy was closed. then another retail store, later a brewery, 1990 75,636 of this area developed a new saddle for the Jim Barnes and finally became a saloon. This saloon 2000 91,565 working vaquero. In 1870, a saddle shop was opened at this location. It was known as the was known as a "deadfall of the worst class." 2010 124,442 Here, a famous train robbery was conceived "Visalia Saddle Shop." The "Visalia Saddle" was and planned. In the 1890's one of the B Brick Firehouse produced and very successfully marketed from Camp Babbitt In 1869 the Visalia Fire Department was G proprietors of the saloon was sent to San This concludes the walking tour. Now relax and this location. The local newspaper in 1887 Three companies of union soldiers arrived in organized. In 1872, D.R. Douglass (see Quentin for complicity in the robbery. enjoy the ambiance of Visalia at the Garden described the shop as "the largest of its kind Visalia and were stationed at Camp Babbitt in Douglass tree) donated a lot on the southeast The building was destroyed by fire in 1905. Street Plaza, or take time for some shopping or with saddles, bridles, spurs, bits, harness here the year 1862. California was important to the corner of Acequia and Church Streets for a Eagle Scout project of refreshment at a nearby eating establishment. If displayed and of the best kind. The saddles are Union cause, because of its gold and livestock. firehouse, which was eventually used as city hall time allows, visit some of the additional points of everywhere, being shipped to all parts of the Since the town was southern in sympathy, the Edmund W. Gubler, Jr., 2005 also. The cornerstone was laid October 7, 1872 interest in this brochure. country." The Visalia Saddle is known troops were quartered here throughout the Civil at this location. In 1876 a second story was throughout the world even today. War. These soldiers did not have to do any "Though it was nearly midnight when we Little White Schoolhouse arrived, the news spread rapidly and we soon Historic Visalia Walking Trail had a cordial greeting. Before we left they gave Visalia's first school was known as the "Little How Visalia Got It's Name us the anvil salute, which was quite new to me. White6 Schoolhouse" and was constructed in First Church May, 1857. In 1872, this building was replaced The powder is placed in a hole in one anvil, and athaniel Vise gave his name to Visalia. He was an eccentric fellow by a two-story wooden school, and it was during The Methodist Episcopal Church South was floor of the Visalia House. The publication was a train laid to the edge. A card is then placed who opened a restaurant in San Francisco in 1852. He featured the dedication of this second school building organized in 1852 as soon as the settlers referred to as the "Secesh" paper since its editor over the hole, and another anvil on top of that. bear meat on the menu and advertised as "Nat Vise, alias The 1 that Jim McCrory, a man who had shot his best arrived. It was not until 1857 that James was in favor of secession. Dr. Davenport, a rabid The reports were quite as heavy as those of an Bear Hunter." Just what he was doing in the Four Creeks area is friend, was hung by the citizens from the Court Persian, prominent member and donor, Union supporter, fearing violence might occur, eight-pounder. a matter of conjecture, but he did vote in the organizational Street bridge above Mill Creek. Parents and undertook the task of providing a permanent ordered the publisher to vacate his building. "This was the first evidence of any enthusiasm election of Tulare County on July 10, 1852. He was restless children, returning from the dedication Two-story wooden school built in 1872 meeting place for the congregation. A small In 1863, at its new location, the plant of the along the route since we left Fort Smith, and Courthouse built in 1876 and did not stay in one location very long. At various times he ceremonies, passed by the body. "This stockade was about 60 feet square and brick church was constructed. Other Expositor was wrecked by an unidentified mob. the rousing cheers they gave us as we drove off N was a preacher, horse trader and fur agent, and in Tulare County Later, a third school, the Tipton Lindsey the tents of the party were pitched inside, and a denominations shared the use of the church. In 1879, L.A. Johnson bought the building. at 11:50 p.m. on Friday, the 8th of October, to San Francisco). Office-front basement of the he was a land promoter. On November 1, 1852, Vise and Mr. grammar school, was built on this same site. It tunnel dug underneath the wall, for admittance The first pastor was Reverend E.B. Lockley, The Visalia House was razed in 1916, and was ought to be remembered in the history of the courthouse. O'Neal let it be known that they "had located and surveyed a continued to serve until 1920 when it was razed purposes. In this crude structure the first and according to history, there were 15 people replaced by the Hotel Johnson, which burned in town, so I here immortalize them." "Terms of the paper: for one year, $5; six new town called Visalia, in the finest part of the Four Creeks." to provide space for a city park. civilization was established, a dance floor was in the congregation. 1968 and was replaced by a modern structure. It is believed that the stage station was months, $3; three months, $2; single copies, Nat Vise originally came from Visalia, Kentucky, named for his constructed from puncheon timbers and the After a flood in the 1860's caused damage housed in a hotel known both as the Exchange 25¢. Persons subscribing for two copies (one family. He gave the same name to his new town. Vise did not settlers amused themselves in the evenings by to the brick church, it was condemned, and House and the Overland Hotel. The horses for mailing to their friends in the Atlantic States) stay in Visalia for long. He moved to southern California and dancing to the music of an old fiddle." used as a warehouse. Members met in their used were stabled and corralled in an area a deduction will be made." worked for a fur company. In that job he traveled to the eastern A bridge was constructed over Mill Creek homes or at the school until 1872 when a new across the main street, south of the hotel. Court business in Visalia was first conducted states several times. In 1882, he was staying in Texarkana, south of the stockade and it was over this church was built at School and Court Streets. in a rented house, then in a temporary building. Arkansas, when the town was hit by a tornado. He took refuge crossing that the first street in Visalia was later In 1857, a red brick courthouse was built at in a brick building which collapsed, killing those inside. this location, with the upper story serving as a surveyed and designated Bridge street. Early Hotel courtroom and community center, being History relates that during the winter of 1852-53 these individuals lived in the The Visalia House, a brick hotel, was built in "commodious enough to hold 1,000 people." Tipton Lindsey Grammar School stockade; Judge Cutler, Tom Baker, Samuel C. Historic Visalia Trail Map 1859 by Dr. Will Davenport, who leased it to The lower floor had six jail cells, and a gallows (approximately a 45-minute walk) 2 stood behind the courthouse. (The basement Brown, Calhoun Roberts, Early Lyons, a Mr. E two men named Warner and Strong. The Russell, and Nathaniel Vise, for whom the town G Race Visalia House was described as having a dining Butterfield Stage Station contained the local newspaper office.) The red Fort Visalia brick courthouse was used until approximately was named. Also there were Robert Stevenson, F room on the first floor and large open sleeping Visalia's first real contact with the outside world In the Fall of 1852, a group of pioneers built a Murray 1876, when a neo-classical courthouse replaced Abe Murray, Osee Mathews, Reuben Mathews, quarters on the second floor. The patrons had was on October 8, 1858, when the first stockade on the north bank of Mill Creek, 3 it at the same location. This courthouse served 7 Warren Mathews, the Glenns, and their families. their own "turkeys," or blankets, according to Butterfield stage, straining to make a record run which came to be known as Fort Visalia. until damage from the 1952 earthquake caused (continued on back side) School historians, and the absence of bedsteads and with the U.S. mail from St. Louis to San A description of the fort is given by Ed furniture made no difference to them. Later, Francisco, arrived in town. Its only passenger it to be torn down. Red brick courthouse built in 1857 Reynolds who helped build it: "The lumber for 6 7 Oak the second floor was modernized and individual was W. L. Ormsby, special correspondent for this stockade was obtained by cutting down sleeping rooms provided. the New York Herald, who wrote a diary later 5 First Newspaper & Courthouse First House mammoth oak trees which grew in profusion, 4 Center At the beginning of the Civil War, the Equal published in the Herald. splitting them in half, and setting them on end, Rights Expositor, a violently anti-Union paper, It was written in his diary: "The next town of A statement by I.W. Carpenter, "Proprietor," of In 1853, Samuel C. Brown built the first log side by side, in a trench three feet deep. 3 2 Main was published from an office on the second importance is Visalia, which is 47 miles from Visalia's first newspaper, the Tulare County residence outside the Fort Visalia stockade. "The curved sides of the logs were turned to 4 5 D 9 White River and about 100 from Tejon, and the Record and Fresno Examiner, in its first issue, On July 5, 1853, Mr. Brown was admitted to the outside and the earth tamped in around the 8 Acequia first town from Tejon. There are a few adobe June 25, 1859, explained its policies: the bar at Woodville, and in August he acted in bottom in such a manner as to make them 1 houses, and the population is about 500. The "A journal for the people; devoted to news, the capacity of district attorney for Tulare secure against a battering ram. B C place is situated in an oak grove, sometimes miscellany, agriculture, and to the local interests County's first official murder trial. "At each corner of the stockade an extension Willow called the Four Creeks, which seldom have of Tulare and Fresno Counties. The organ of The first Brown residence was rebuilt and of four feet was built out, across and back. A much water. There are a number of New no party-independent on all subjects. Published remodeled several times and became a mansion Indians attempting to scale the walls would be Mineral King ch Yorkers in the town, and I took a glass of lager, every Saturday, at Visalia, Tulare County, and noted Visalia social center. In its rooms and est

in the direct fire of riflemen stationed at these den W Floral Court Bridge which made me feel quite at home. California (Overland Mail route from St. Louis gardens were entertained the area's elite. Encina Locust Chur

extensions. Gar Santa Fe "Though it was nearly midnight when we Little White Schoolhouse arrived, the news spread rapidly and we soon Historic Visalia Walking Trail had a cordial greeting. Before we left they gave Visalia's first school was known as the "Little How Visalia Got It's Name us the anvil salute, which was quite new to me. White6 Schoolhouse" and was constructed in First Church May, 1857. In 1872, this building was replaced The powder is placed in a hole in one anvil, and athaniel Vise gave his name to Visalia. He was an eccentric fellow by a two-story wooden school, and it was during The Methodist Episcopal Church South was floor of the Visalia House. The publication was a train laid to the edge. A card is then placed who opened a restaurant in San Francisco in 1852. He featured the dedication of this second school building organized in 1852 as soon as the settlers referred to as the "Secesh" paper since its editor over the hole, and another anvil on top of that. bear meat on the menu and advertised as "Nat Vise, alias The 1 that Jim McCrory, a man who had shot his best arrived. It was not until 1857 that James was in favor of secession. Dr. Davenport, a rabid The reports were quite as heavy as those of an Bear Hunter." Just what he was doing in the Four Creeks area is friend, was hung by the citizens from the Court Persian, prominent member and donor, Union supporter, fearing violence might occur, eight-pounder. a matter of conjecture, but he did vote in the organizational Street bridge above Mill Creek. Parents and undertook the task of providing a permanent ordered the publisher to vacate his building. "This was the first evidence of any enthusiasm election of Tulare County on July 10, 1852. He was restless children, returning from the dedication Two-story wooden school built in 1872 meeting place for the congregation. A small In 1863, at its new location, the plant of the along the route since we left Fort Smith, and Courthouse built in 1876 and did not stay in one location very long. At various times he ceremonies, passed by the body. "This stockade was about 60 feet square and brick church was constructed. Other Expositor was wrecked by an unidentified mob. the rousing cheers they gave us as we drove off N was a preacher, horse trader and fur agent, and in Tulare County Later, a third school, the Tipton Lindsey the tents of the party were pitched inside, and a denominations shared the use of the church. In 1879, L.A. Johnson bought the building. at 11:50 p.m. on Friday, the 8th of October, to San Francisco). Office-front basement of the he was a land promoter. On November 1, 1852, Vise and Mr. grammar school, was built on this same site. It tunnel dug underneath the wall, for admittance The first pastor was Reverend E.B. Lockley, The Visalia House was razed in 1916, and was ought to be remembered in the history of the courthouse. O'Neal let it be known that they "had located and surveyed a continued to serve until 1920 when it was razed purposes. In this crude structure the first and according to history, there were 15 people replaced by the Hotel Johnson, which burned in town, so I here immortalize them." "Terms of the paper: for one year, $5; six new town called Visalia, in the finest part of the Four Creeks." to provide space for a city park. civilization was established, a dance floor was in the congregation. 1968 and was replaced by a modern structure. It is believed that the stage station was months, $3; three months, $2; single copies, Nat Vise originally came from Visalia, Kentucky, named for his constructed from puncheon timbers and the After a flood in the 1860's caused damage housed in a hotel known both as the Exchange 25¢. Persons subscribing for two copies (one family. He gave the same name to his new town. Vise did not settlers amused themselves in the evenings by to the brick church, it was condemned, and House and the Overland Hotel. The horses for mailing to their friends in the Atlantic States) stay in Visalia for long. He moved to southern California and dancing to the music of an old fiddle." used as a warehouse. Members met in their used were stabled and corralled in an area a deduction will be made." worked for a fur company. In that job he traveled to the eastern A bridge was constructed over Mill Creek homes or at the school until 1872 when a new across the main street, south of the hotel. Court business in Visalia was first conducted states several times. In 1882, he was staying in Texarkana, south of the stockade and it was over this church was built at School and Court Streets. in a rented house, then in a temporary building. Arkansas, when the town was hit by a tornado. He took refuge crossing that the first street in Visalia was later In 1857, a red brick courthouse was built at in a brick building which collapsed, killing those inside. this location, with the upper story serving as a surveyed and designated Bridge street. Early Hotel courtroom and community center, being History relates that during the winter of 1852-53 these individuals lived in the The Visalia House, a brick hotel, was built in "commodious enough to hold 1,000 people." Tipton Lindsey Grammar School stockade; Judge Cutler, Tom Baker, Samuel C. Historic Visalia Trail Map 1859 by Dr. Will Davenport, who leased it to The lower floor had six jail cells, and a gallows (approximately a 45-minute walk) 2 stood behind the courthouse. (The basement Brown, Calhoun Roberts, Early Lyons, a Mr. E two men named Warner and Strong. The Russell, and Nathaniel Vise, for whom the town G Race Visalia House was described as having a dining Butterfield Stage Station contained the local newspaper office.) The red Fort Visalia brick courthouse was used until approximately was named. Also there were Robert Stevenson, F room on the first floor and large open sleeping Visalia's first real contact with the outside world In the Fall of 1852, a group of pioneers built a Murray 1876, when a neo-classical courthouse replaced Abe Murray, Osee Mathews, Reuben Mathews, quarters on the second floor. The patrons had was on October 8, 1858, when the first stockade on the north bank of Mill Creek, 3 it at the same location. This courthouse served 7 Warren Mathews, the Glenns, and their families. their own "turkeys," or blankets, according to Butterfield stage, straining to make a record run which came to be known as Fort Visalia. until damage from the 1952 earthquake caused (continued on back side) School historians, and the absence of bedsteads and with the U.S. mail from St. Louis to San A description of the fort is given by Ed furniture made no difference to them. Later, Francisco, arrived in town. Its only passenger it to be torn down. Red brick courthouse built in 1857 Reynolds who helped build it: "The lumber for 6 7 Oak the second floor was modernized and individual was W. L. Ormsby, special correspondent for this stockade was obtained by cutting down sleeping rooms provided. the New York Herald, who wrote a diary later 5 First Newspaper & Courthouse First House mammoth oak trees which grew in profusion, 4 Center At the beginning of the Civil War, the Equal published in the Herald. splitting them in half, and setting them on end, Rights Expositor, a violently anti-Union paper, It was written in his diary: "The next town of A statement by I.W. Carpenter, "Proprietor," of In 1853, Samuel C. Brown built the first log side by side, in a trench three feet deep. 3 2 Main was published from an office on the second importance is Visalia, which is 47 miles from Visalia's first newspaper, the Tulare County residence outside the Fort Visalia stockade. "The curved sides of the logs were turned to 4 5 D 9 White River and about 100 from Tejon, and the Record and Fresno Examiner, in its first issue, On July 5, 1853, Mr. Brown was admitted to the outside and the earth tamped in around the 8 Acequia first town from Tejon. There are a few adobe June 25, 1859, explained its policies: the bar at Woodville, and in August he acted in bottom in such a manner as to make them 1 houses, and the population is about 500. The "A journal for the people; devoted to news, the capacity of district attorney for Tulare secure against a battering ram. B C place is situated in an oak grove, sometimes miscellany, agriculture, and to the local interests County's first official murder trial. "At each corner of the stockade an extension Willow called the Four Creeks, which seldom have of Tulare and Fresno Counties. The organ of The first Brown residence was rebuilt and of four feet was built out, across and back. A much water. There are a number of New no party-independent on all subjects. Published remodeled several times and became a mansion Indians attempting to scale the walls would be Mineral King ch Yorkers in the town, and I took a glass of lager, every Saturday, at Visalia, Tulare County, and noted Visalia social center. In its rooms and est

extensions. Gar Santa Fe First Grist Mill istorical Background The first grist mill in the southern San Visalia is the county seat of Tulare County. Additional Points of Interest 8Joaquin Valley was built in 1854 on this HFounded in 1852, it is the oldest town site by the Mathews brothers who spent between Stockton and Los Angeles. It is Horse Rings E Historical Homes the first winter in Fort Visalia. Water was located at an elevation of 300 feet above Horses were the early means of transportation added to the brick firehouse and the cornerstone Because Visalia is the oldest city in the San fighting in the war, but they did keep order in diverted from Mill Creek to provide the sea level. The Kaweah River enters the around downtown Visalia. When stopping to was moved to the front of the second story. Joaquin Valley south of Stockton, it has many the community. (See an additional Camp needed power. broad plain east of Visalia and divides Historic do business, a traveler would tie his reins to a The two-story firehouse was torn down in 1909 beautiful homes from the 1800's and early Babbitt monument around the corner at Indian labor was used in constructing into four branches, forming a delta which horse ring. There are twelve known original to make way for a new city fire station/ city hall 1900's which still remain and reflect major 539 North Santa Fe.) the mill, and the Indians would accept was known in the early days as the "Four horse rings from the late 1880's-early 1900's complex, and the cornerstone was placed in architectural styles of that period. A few of only meat in payment of wages. Ed Creeks" country. Visalia grew steadily in still located in the downtown area. They are that building. Subsequently, the Visalia these beautiful old homes and styles are found Reynolds, a nephew of the Mathews the decades which followed, spurred on marked on the map by a symbol. See how Convention Center was built at this location, at this location. Visalia brothers, was employed for $4.00 a day by gold rushes, livestock, railroads, many of them you can locate. and the original 1872 cornerstone was WALKING TRAIL to undertake the dangerous mission of hydroelectrical power and irrigation incorporated in it. (To locate the cornerstone, shooting elk in the Tulare Lake area. water, which was good for agriculture. go to the main entrance of the Convention Grist mills were essential for pioneers. Population figures show how Visalia has Center and look up and to your right.) Father Dade's Academy Of hank You To Our Contributors Corn or wheat was ground for meal or grown through the years: F The Nativity Historian Terry Ommen flour, and rolled oats and bran were A Mill Creek The Visalia Church of the Nativity of the To the early California settlers, this area was Gubler, Koch, Degn & Gomez LLP produced for cattle and poultry food. Blessed Virgin Mary was the first Catholic T Year Population known as the "Four Creeks" country. Visalia Downtown Visalians and Alliance The 1860 census shows that the parish in the lower San Joaquin Valley. On was built around Mill Creek (one of the four City of Visalia Mathews' mill was taking in 20,000 1860 548 C Douglass Tree August 1, 1861, the following announcement creeks), which was a ready source of water, both Tulare County Historical Society bushels of grain/corn a year. The mill was 1870 913 One of the first trees planted in Visalia was a appeared: "A new school under the title for the Yokut Indians and the new settlers. eucalyptus tree, planted by David Douglass next Judge Lloyd Hicks operated continuously on this site until 1880 1,412 'Academy of the Nativity' will commence next Water from Mill Creek was used to create a mill Vice Mayor Phil Cox 1967 when it burned, and was razed. to his home in 1860. In recent times, the week, under the supervision of the Rev. Father 1890 2,885 race which powered the grist mill. In the early Visalia Heritage Inc. Visalia Convention Center was built at this Dade. The building was originally intended as a 1900 3,085 1900's, Mill Creek was "planked over" so that Charter Oak Lions location and the eucalyptus tree stood within its stable, hence the birthplace of our redeemer the waterway flowed under the growing city. In Visalia Host Lions First Store 1910 4,550 courtyard until November 13, 1988, when it suggested the name to the Rev. Father." The the 1950's and 60's, there were discussions Sequoia Kiwanis 1920 5,753 fell. Adjacent to where the tree once stood is following day, a second announcement was Visalia's first store was built on this site that the Mill Creek channel might be used as a Soroptimist International of Visalia, Inc. 1930 7,263 the Vietnam War mural. made: "This academy will be open for the about 1854 by Nathan Baker. It was bomb shelter. Mill Creek also channeled flood Breakfast Rotary 9 1940 8,904 registration of school Monday, August 26, in located across Mill Creek from Fort Visalia waters through town on a recurrent basis, until Kauvaka General Construction 1950 11,749 the commodious building at the northern and served all of Tulare County which Terminus Dam was completed in 1962. Ron Westbrook boundary of the town, and will be under the then encompassed almost the entire lower 1960 15,791 Enjoy a stroll in this park-like setting, to view Kristi Patterson, Graphic Designer personal supervision of the Rev. Father Dade." San Joaquin Valley. 1970 27,268 where modern-day Mill Creek reemerges from D Visalia Saddle Dru Quesnoy Father Dade left Visalia in 1872, and shortly The building next housed a restaurant, 1980 49,729 under ground, as well as native valley oak trees. Around the 1860's, the Mexican saddle makers Josten's Printing & Publishing thereafter the academy was closed. then another retail store, later a brewery, 1990 75,636 of this area developed a new saddle for the Jim Barnes and finally became a saloon. This saloon 2000 91,565 working vaquero. In 1870, a saddle shop was opened at this location. It was known as the was known as a "deadfall of the worst class." 2010 124,442 Here, a famous train robbery was conceived "Visalia Saddle Shop." The "Visalia Saddle" was and planned. In the 1890's one of the B Brick Firehouse produced and very successfully marketed from Camp Babbitt In 1869 the Visalia Fire Department was G proprietors of the saloon was sent to San This concludes the walking tour. Now relax and this location. The local newspaper in 1887 Three companies of union soldiers arrived in organized. In 1872, D.R. Douglass (see Quentin for complicity in the robbery. enjoy the ambiance of Visalia at the Garden described the shop as "the largest of its kind Visalia and were stationed at Camp Babbitt in Douglass tree) donated a lot on the southeast The building was destroyed by fire in 1905. Street Plaza, or take time for some shopping or with saddles, bridles, spurs, bits, harness here the year 1862. California was important to the corner of Acequia and Church Streets for a Eagle Scout project of refreshment at a nearby eating establishment. If displayed and of the best kind. The saddles are Union cause, because of its gold and livestock. firehouse, which was eventually used as city hall time allows, visit some of the additional points of everywhere, being shipped to all parts of the Since the town was southern in sympathy, the Edmund W. Gubler, Jr., 2005 also. The cornerstone was laid October 7, 1872 interest in this brochure. country." The Visalia Saddle is known troops were quartered here throughout the Civil at this location. In 1876 a second story was throughout the world even today. War. These soldiers did not have to do any "Though it was nearly midnight when we Little White Schoolhouse arrived, the news spread rapidly and we soon Historic Visalia Walking Trail had a cordial greeting. Before we left they gave Visalia's first school was known as the "Little How Visalia Got It's Name us the anvil salute, which was quite new to me. White6 Schoolhouse" and was constructed in First Church May, 1857. In 1872, this building was replaced The powder is placed in a hole in one anvil, and athaniel Vise gave his name to Visalia. He was an eccentric fellow by a two-story wooden school, and it was during The Methodist Episcopal Church South was floor of the Visalia House. The publication was a train laid to the edge. A card is then placed who opened a restaurant in San Francisco in 1852. He featured the dedication of this second school building organized in 1852 as soon as the settlers referred to as the "Secesh" paper since its editor over the hole, and another anvil on top of that. bear meat on the menu and advertised as "Nat Vise, alias The 1 that Jim McCrory, a man who had shot his best arrived. It was not until 1857 that James was in favor of secession. Dr. Davenport, a rabid The reports were quite as heavy as those of an Bear Hunter." Just what he was doing in the Four Creeks area is friend, was hung by the citizens from the Court Persian, prominent member and donor, Union supporter, fearing violence might occur, eight-pounder. a matter of conjecture, but he did vote in the organizational Street bridge above Mill Creek. Parents and undertook the task of providing a permanent ordered the publisher to vacate his building. "This was the first evidence of any enthusiasm election of Tulare County on July 10, 1852. He was restless children, returning from the dedication Two-story wooden school built in 1872 meeting place for the congregation. A small In 1863, at its new location, the plant of the along the route since we left Fort Smith, and Courthouse built in 1876 and did not stay in one location very long. At various times he ceremonies, passed by the body. "This stockade was about 60 feet square and brick church was constructed. Other Expositor was wrecked by an unidentified mob. the rousing cheers they gave us as we drove off N was a preacher, horse trader and fur agent, and in Tulare County Later, a third school, the Tipton Lindsey the tents of the party were pitched inside, and a denominations shared the use of the church. In 1879, L.A. Johnson bought the building. at 11:50 p.m. on Friday, the 8th of October, to San Francisco). Office-front basement of the he was a land promoter. On November 1, 1852, Vise and Mr. grammar school, was built on this same site. It tunnel dug underneath the wall, for admittance The first pastor was Reverend E.B. Lockley, The Visalia House was razed in 1916, and was ought to be remembered in the history of the courthouse. O'Neal let it be known that they "had located and surveyed a continued to serve until 1920 when it was razed purposes. In this crude structure the first and according to history, there were 15 people replaced by the Hotel Johnson, which burned in town, so I here immortalize them." "Terms of the paper: for one year, $5; six new town called Visalia, in the finest part of the Four Creeks." to provide space for a city park. civilization was established, a dance floor was in the congregation. 1968 and was replaced by a modern structure. It is believed that the stage station was months, $3; three months, $2; single copies, Nat Vise originally came from Visalia, Kentucky, named for his constructed from puncheon timbers and the After a flood in the 1860's caused damage housed in a hotel known both as the Exchange 25¢. Persons subscribing for two copies (one family. He gave the same name to his new town. Vise did not settlers amused themselves in the evenings by to the brick church, it was condemned, and House and the Overland Hotel. The horses for mailing to their friends in the Atlantic States) stay in Visalia for long. He moved to southern California and dancing to the music of an old fiddle." used as a warehouse. Members met in their used were stabled and corralled in an area a deduction will be made." worked for a fur company. In that job he traveled to the eastern A bridge was constructed over Mill Creek homes or at the school until 1872 when a new across the main street, south of the hotel. Court business in Visalia was first conducted states several times. In 1882, he was staying in Texarkana, south of the stockade and it was over this church was built at School and Court Streets. in a rented house, then in a temporary building. Arkansas, when the town was hit by a tornado. He took refuge crossing that the first street in Visalia was later In 1857, a red brick courthouse was built at in a brick building which collapsed, killing those inside. this location, with the upper story serving as a surveyed and designated Bridge street. Early Hotel courtroom and community center, being History relates that during the winter of 1852-53 these individuals lived in the The Visalia House, a brick hotel, was built in "commodious enough to hold 1,000 people." Tipton Lindsey Grammar School stockade; Judge Cutler, Tom Baker, Samuel C. Historic Visalia Trail Map 1859 by Dr. Will Davenport, who leased it to The lower floor had six jail cells, and a gallows (approximately a 45-minute walk) 2 stood behind the courthouse. (The basement Brown, Calhoun Roberts, Early Lyons, a Mr. E two men named Warner and Strong. The Russell, and Nathaniel Vise, for whom the town G Race Visalia House was described as having a dining Butterfield Stage Station contained the local newspaper office.) The red Fort Visalia brick courthouse was used until approximately was named. Also there were Robert Stevenson, F room on the first floor and large open sleeping Visalia's first real contact with the outside world In the Fall of 1852, a group of pioneers built a Murray 1876, when a neo-classical courthouse replaced Abe Murray, Osee Mathews, Reuben Mathews, quarters on the second floor. The patrons had was on October 8, 1858, when the first stockade on the north bank of Mill Creek, 3 it at the same location. This courthouse served 7 Warren Mathews, the Glenns, and their families. their own "turkeys," or blankets, according to Butterfield stage, straining to make a record run which came to be known as Fort Visalia. until damage from the 1952 earthquake caused (continued on back side) School historians, and the absence of bedsteads and with the U.S. mail from St. Louis to San A description of the fort is given by Ed furniture made no difference to them. Later, Francisco, arrived in town. Its only passenger it to be torn down. Red brick courthouse built in 1857 Reynolds who helped build it: "The lumber for 6 7 Oak the second floor was modernized and individual was W. L. Ormsby, special correspondent for this stockade was obtained by cutting down sleeping rooms provided. the New York Herald, who wrote a diary later 5 First Newspaper & Courthouse First House mammoth oak trees which grew in profusion, 4 Center At the beginning of the Civil War, the Equal published in the Herald. splitting them in half, and setting them on end, Rights Expositor, a violently anti-Union paper, It was written in his diary: "The next town of A statement by I.W. Carpenter, "Proprietor," of In 1853, Samuel C. Brown built the first log side by side, in a trench three feet deep. 3 2 Main was published from an office on the second importance is Visalia, which is 47 miles from Visalia's first newspaper, the Tulare County residence outside the Fort Visalia stockade. "The curved sides of the logs were turned to 4 5 D 9 White River and about 100 from Tejon, and the Record and Fresno Examiner, in its first issue, On July 5, 1853, Mr. Brown was admitted to the outside and the earth tamped in around the 8 Acequia first town from Tejon. There are a few adobe June 25, 1859, explained its policies: the bar at Woodville, and in August he acted in bottom in such a manner as to make them 1 houses, and the population is about 500. The "A journal for the people; devoted to news, the capacity of district attorney for Tulare secure against a battering ram. B C place is situated in an oak grove, sometimes miscellany, agriculture, and to the local interests County's first official murder trial. "At each corner of the stockade an extension Willow called the Four Creeks, which seldom have of Tulare and Fresno Counties. The organ of The first Brown residence was rebuilt and of four feet was built out, across and back. A much water. There are a number of New no party-independent on all subjects. Published remodeled several times and became a mansion Indians attempting to scale the walls would be Mineral King ch Yorkers in the town, and I took a glass of lager, every Saturday, at Visalia, Tulare County, and noted Visalia social center. In its rooms and est in the direct fire of riflemen stationed at these den W Floral Court Bridge which made me feel quite at home. California (Overland Mail route from St. Louis gardens were entertained the area's elite. Encina Locust Chur extensions. Gar Santa Fe First Grist Mill istorical Background The first grist mill in the southern San Visalia is the county seat of Tulare County. Additional Points of Interest 8Joaquin Valley was built in 1854 on this HFounded in 1852, it is the oldest town site by the Mathews brothers who spent between Stockton and Los Angeles. It is Horse Rings E Historical Homes the first winter in Fort Visalia. Water was located at an elevation of 300 feet above Horses were the early means of transportation added to the brick firehouse and the cornerstone Because Visalia is the oldest city in the San fighting in the war, but they did keep order in diverted from Mill Creek to provide the sea level. The Kaweah River enters the around downtown Visalia. When stopping to was moved to the front of the second story. Joaquin Valley south of Stockton, it has many the community. (See an additional Camp needed power. broad plain east of Visalia and divides Historic do business, a traveler would tie his reins to a The two-story firehouse was torn down in 1909 beautiful homes from the 1800's and early Babbitt monument around the corner at Indian labor was used in constructing into four branches, forming a delta which horse ring. There are twelve known original to make way for a new city fire station/ city hall 1900's which still remain and reflect major 539 North Santa Fe.) the mill, and the Indians would accept was known in the early days as the "Four horse rings from the late 1880's-early 1900's complex, and the cornerstone was placed in architectural styles of that period. A few of only meat in payment of wages. Ed Creeks" country. Visalia grew steadily in still located in the downtown area. They are that building. Subsequently, the Visalia these beautiful old homes and styles are found Reynolds, a nephew of the Mathews the decades which followed, spurred on marked on the map by a symbol. See how Convention Center was built at this location, at this location. Visalia brothers, was employed for $4.00 a day by gold rushes, livestock, railroads, many of them you can locate. and the original 1872 cornerstone was WALKING TRAIL to undertake the dangerous mission of hydroelectrical power and irrigation incorporated in it. (To locate the cornerstone, shooting elk in the Tulare Lake area. water, which was good for agriculture. go to the main entrance of the Convention Grist mills were essential for pioneers. Population figures show how Visalia has Center and look up and to your right.) Father Dade's Academy Of hank You To Our Contributors Corn or wheat was ground for meal or grown through the years: F The Nativity Historian Terry Ommen flour, and rolled oats and bran were A Mill Creek The Visalia Church of the Nativity of the To the early California settlers, this area was Gubler, Koch, Degn & Gomez LLP produced for cattle and poultry food. Blessed Virgin Mary was the first Catholic T Year Population known as the "Four Creeks" country. Visalia Downtown Visalians and Alliance The 1860 census shows that the parish in the lower San Joaquin Valley. On was built around Mill Creek (one of the four City of Visalia Mathews' mill was taking in 20,000 1860 548 C Douglass Tree August 1, 1861, the following announcement creeks), which was a ready source of water, both Tulare County Historical Society bushels of grain/corn a year. The mill was 1870 913 One of the first trees planted in Visalia was a appeared: "A new school under the title for the Yokut Indians and the new settlers. eucalyptus tree, planted by David Douglass next Judge Lloyd Hicks operated continuously on this site until 1880 1,412 'Academy of the Nativity' will commence next Water from Mill Creek was used to create a mill Vice Mayor Phil Cox 1967 when it burned, and was razed. to his home in 1860. In recent times, the week, under the supervision of the Rev. Father 1890 2,885 race which powered the grist mill. In the early Visalia Heritage Inc. Visalia Convention Center was built at this Dade. The building was originally intended as a 1900 3,085 1900's, Mill Creek was "planked over" so that Charter Oak Lions location and the eucalyptus tree stood within its stable, hence the birthplace of our redeemer the waterway flowed under the growing city. In Visalia Host Lions First Store 1910 4,550 courtyard until November 13, 1988, when it suggested the name to the Rev. Father." The the 1950's and 60's, there were discussions Sequoia Kiwanis 1920 5,753 fell. Adjacent to where the tree once stood is following day, a second announcement was Visalia's first store was built on this site that the Mill Creek channel might be used as a Soroptimist International of Visalia, Inc. 1930 7,263 the Vietnam War mural. made: "This academy will be open for the about 1854 by Nathan Baker. It was bomb shelter. Mill Creek also channeled flood Breakfast Rotary 9 1940 8,904 registration of school Monday, August 26, in located across Mill Creek from Fort Visalia waters through town on a recurrent basis, until Kauvaka General Construction 1950 11,749 the commodious building at the northern and served all of Tulare County which Terminus Dam was completed in 1962. Ron Westbrook boundary of the town, and will be under the then encompassed almost the entire lower 1960 15,791 Enjoy a stroll in this park-like setting, to view Kristi Patterson, Graphic Designer personal supervision of the Rev. Father Dade." San Joaquin Valley. 1970 27,268 where modern-day Mill Creek reemerges from D Visalia Saddle Dru Quesnoy Father Dade left Visalia in 1872, and shortly The building next housed a restaurant, 1980 49,729 under ground, as well as native valley oak trees. Around the 1860's, the Mexican saddle makers Josten's Printing & Publishing thereafter the academy was closed. then another retail store, later a brewery, 1990 75,636 of this area developed a new saddle for the Jim Barnes and finally became a saloon. This saloon 2000 91,565 working vaquero. In 1870, a saddle shop was opened at this location. It was known as the was known as a "deadfall of the worst class." 2010 124,442 Here, a famous train robbery was conceived "Visalia Saddle Shop." The "Visalia Saddle" was and planned. In the 1890's one of the B Brick Firehouse produced and very successfully marketed from Camp Babbitt In 1869 the Visalia Fire Department was G proprietors of the saloon was sent to San This concludes the walking tour. Now relax and this location. The local newspaper in 1887 Three companies of union soldiers arrived in organized. In 1872, D.R. Douglass (see Quentin for complicity in the robbery. enjoy the ambiance of Visalia at the Garden described the shop as "the largest of its kind Visalia and were stationed at Camp Babbitt in Douglass tree) donated a lot on the southeast The building was destroyed by fire in 1905. Street Plaza, or take time for some shopping or with saddles, bridles, spurs, bits, harness here the year 1862. California was important to the corner of Acequia and Church Streets for a Eagle Scout project of refreshment at a nearby eating establishment. If displayed and of the best kind. The saddles are Union cause, because of its gold and livestock. firehouse, which was eventually used as city hall time allows, visit some of the additional points of everywhere, being shipped to all parts of the Since the town was southern in sympathy, the Edmund W. Gubler, Jr., 2005 also. The cornerstone was laid October 7, 1872 interest in this brochure. country." The Visalia Saddle is known troops were quartered here throughout the Civil at this location. In 1876 a second story was throughout the world even today. War. These soldiers did not have to do any First Grist Mill istorical Background The first grist mill in the southern San Visalia is the county seat of Tulare County. Additional Points of Interest 8Joaquin Valley was built in 1854 on this HFounded in 1852, it is the oldest town site by the Mathews brothers who spent between Stockton and Los Angeles. It is Horse Rings E Historical Homes the first winter in Fort Visalia. Water was located at an elevation of 300 feet above Horses were the early means of transportation added to the brick firehouse and the cornerstone Because Visalia is the oldest city in the San fighting in the war, but they did keep order in diverted from Mill Creek to provide the sea level. The Kaweah River enters the around downtown Visalia. When stopping to was moved to the front of the second story. Joaquin Valley south of Stockton, it has many the community. (See an additional Camp needed power. broad plain east of Visalia and divides Historic do business, a traveler would tie his reins to a The two-story firehouse was torn down in 1909 beautiful homes from the 1800's and early Babbitt monument around the corner at Indian labor was used in constructing into four branches, forming a delta which horse ring. There are twelve known original to make way for a new city fire station/ city hall 1900's which still remain and reflect major 539 North Santa Fe.) the mill, and the Indians would accept was known in the early days as the "Four horse rings from the late 1880's-early 1900's complex, and the cornerstone was placed in architectural styles of that period. A few of only meat in payment of wages. Ed Creeks" country. Visalia grew steadily in still located in the downtown area. They are that building. Subsequently, the Visalia these beautiful old homes and styles are found Reynolds, a nephew of the Mathews the decades which followed, spurred on marked on the map by a symbol. See how Convention Center was built at this location, at this location. Visalia brothers, was employed for $4.00 a day by gold rushes, livestock, railroads, many of them you can locate. and the original 1872 cornerstone was WALKING TRAIL to undertake the dangerous mission of hydroelectrical power and irrigation incorporated in it. (To locate the cornerstone, shooting elk in the Tulare Lake area. water, which was good for agriculture. go to the main entrance of the Convention Grist mills were essential for pioneers. Population figures show how Visalia has Center and look up and to your right.) Father Dade's Academy Of hank You To Our Contributors Corn or wheat was ground for meal or grown through the years: F The Nativity Historian Terry Ommen flour, and rolled oats and bran were A Mill Creek The Visalia Church of the Nativity of the To the early California settlers, this area was Gubler, Koch, Degn & Gomez LLP produced for cattle and poultry food. Blessed Virgin Mary was the first Catholic T Year Population known as the "Four Creeks" country. Visalia Downtown Visalians and Alliance The 1860 census shows that the parish in the lower San Joaquin Valley. On was built around Mill Creek (one of the four City of Visalia Mathews' mill was taking in 20,000 1860 548 C Douglass Tree August 1, 1861, the following announcement creeks), which was a ready source of water, both Tulare County Historical Society bushels of grain/corn a year. The mill was 1870 913 One of the first trees planted in Visalia was a appeared: "A new school under the title for the Yokut Indians and the new settlers. eucalyptus tree, planted by David Douglass next Judge Lloyd Hicks operated continuously on this site until 1880 1,412 'Academy of the Nativity' will commence next Water from Mill Creek was used to create a mill Vice Mayor Phil Cox 1967 when it burned, and was razed. to his home in 1860. In recent times, the week, under the supervision of the Rev. Father 1890 2,885 race which powered the grist mill. In the early Visalia Heritage Inc. Visalia Convention Center was built at this Dade. The building was originally intended as a 1900 3,085 1900's, Mill Creek was "planked over" so that Charter Oak Lions location and the eucalyptus tree stood within its stable, hence the birthplace of our redeemer the waterway flowed under the growing city. In Visalia Host Lions First Store 1910 4,550 courtyard until November 13, 1988, when it suggested the name to the Rev. Father." The the 1950's and 60's, there were discussions Sequoia Kiwanis 1920 5,753 fell. Adjacent to where the tree once stood is following day, a second announcement was Visalia's first store was built on this site that the Mill Creek channel might be used as a Soroptimist International of Visalia, Inc. 1930 7,263 the Vietnam War mural. made: "This academy will be open for the about 1854 by Nathan Baker. It was bomb shelter. Mill Creek also channeled flood Breakfast Rotary 9 1940 8,904 registration of school Monday, August 26, in located across Mill Creek from Fort Visalia waters through town on a recurrent basis, until Kauvaka General Construction 1950 11,749 the commodious building at the northern and served all of Tulare County which Terminus Dam was completed in 1962. Ron Westbrook boundary of the town, and will be under the then encompassed almost the entire lower 1960 15,791 Enjoy a stroll in this park-like setting, to view Kristi Patterson, Graphic Designer personal supervision of the Rev. Father Dade." San Joaquin Valley. 1970 27,268 where modern-day Mill Creek reemerges from D Visalia Saddle Dru Quesnoy Father Dade left Visalia in 1872, and shortly The building next housed a restaurant, 1980 49,729 under ground, as well as native valley oak trees. Around the 1860's, the Mexican saddle makers Josten's Printing & Publishing thereafter the academy was closed. then another retail store, later a brewery, 1990 75,636 of this area developed a new saddle for the Jim Barnes and finally became a saloon. This saloon 2000 91,565 working vaquero. In 1870, a saddle shop was opened at this location. It was known as the was known as a "deadfall of the worst class." 2010 124,442 Here, a famous train robbery was conceived "Visalia Saddle Shop." The "Visalia Saddle" was and planned. In the 1890's one of the B Brick Firehouse produced and very successfully marketed from Camp Babbitt In 1869 the Visalia Fire Department was G proprietors of the saloon was sent to San This concludes the walking tour. Now relax and this location. The local newspaper in 1887 Three companies of union soldiers arrived in organized. In 1872, D.R. Douglass (see Quentin for complicity in the robbery. enjoy the ambiance of Visalia at the Garden described the shop as "the largest of its kind Visalia and were stationed at Camp Babbitt in Douglass tree) donated a lot on the southeast The building was destroyed by fire in 1905. Street Plaza, or take time for some shopping or with saddles, bridles, spurs, bits, harness here the year 1862. California was important to the corner of Acequia and Church Streets for a Eagle Scout project of refreshment at a nearby eating establishment. If displayed and of the best kind. The saddles are Union cause, because of its gold and livestock. firehouse, which was eventually used as city hall time allows, visit some of the additional points of everywhere, being shipped to all parts of the Since the town was southern in sympathy, the Edmund W. Gubler, Jr., 2005 also. The cornerstone was laid October 7, 1872 interest in this brochure. country." The Visalia Saddle is known troops were quartered here throughout the Civil at this location. In 1876 a second story was throughout the world even today. War. These soldiers did not have to do any