Fresno is currently California's Sixth Largest City. The Name Fresno derives from Spanish word for "ash tree." in 1856, Fresno County was created, though its present boundaries were not established until 1909. The first county seat was the foothill community of Millerton.

Early inhabitants of the area probably were here between 7,000 and 50,000 years ago. The first European settlers in the early 1800's found the Yokuts tribe living n the valley floor and in the foothills along the major rivers of the area, the San Joaquin and the Kings Rivers. The Monache Tribe lived further up the rivers. After the initial Spanish explorers came, others began to arrive including trappers and hunters. The famous mountain man, Kit Carson explored the area during the 1840's.

The county was a part of the mining boom of California from its early years until the mid 1860's. Once gold fever subsided, the county experienced its stock raising and general farming period. Later, after water controversy was worked out, the county made a transition to orchards and vineyards from its general farming.

Fresno County is subject to a Mediterranean climate. Low elevations are hot and dry in the summer and in the winter moderate temperatures and relatively light precipitation are common Yearly average percipitation: 12.0 inches.

Of the nation's counties, Fresno ranks No. 1 in production of grapes; 1 in production of cotton; 1 in production of tomatoes; 3 in production of peaches; 3 in production of plums and prunes; 5 in production of lettuce

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