National Register Listings in Kings County, California
In 1965, the Watts Riots erupted in Los Angeles after a police officer arrested a Black man for drunk driving. The six-day riot resulted in 34 deaths, over 1,000 injuries, and $40 million in property damage. The Watts Riots were a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement and helped to spark a nationwide conversation about race relations.
About Kings County
Kings County Timeline
Kings County, California, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The area that is now Kings County was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Yokuts and Mono peoples. In the late 1700s, Spanish explorers led by Juan Bautista de Anza began to explore and settle the region. Eventually, it became part of Alta California under Mexican rule.
The area experienced a significant change with the arrival of American settlers during the California Gold Rush of the 1840s and 1850s. Many pioneers settled in the fertile San Joaquin Valley, including the future Kings County. In 1852, the California State Legislature created Kings County, naming it after the Kings River that flows through the region.
In its early years, Kings County primarily relied on agriculture as its main industry. The county's fertile land was ideal for growing crops such as cotton, grapes, and various fruits. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further facilitated the transportation of goods, boosting the agricultural economy.
Over the years, Kings County has grown and diversified its industries. In addition to agriculture, the county has expanded into other sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Today, Kings County is known for its agricultural productivity, including farms producing crops like cotton, dairy products, nuts, and citrus fruits. The county also hosts a number of military facilities and is home to the Naval Air Station Lemoore, contributing to its economic development.
The area experienced a significant change with the arrival of American settlers during the California Gold Rush of the 1840s and 1850s. Many pioneers settled in the fertile San Joaquin Valley, including the future Kings County. In 1852, the California State Legislature created Kings County, naming it after the Kings River that flows through the region.
In its early years, Kings County primarily relied on agriculture as its main industry. The county's fertile land was ideal for growing crops such as cotton, grapes, and various fruits. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further facilitated the transportation of goods, boosting the agricultural economy.
Over the years, Kings County has grown and diversified its industries. In addition to agriculture, the county has expanded into other sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Today, Kings County is known for its agricultural productivity, including farms producing crops like cotton, dairy products, nuts, and citrus fruits. The county also hosts a number of military facilities and is home to the Naval Air Station Lemoore, contributing to its economic development.
Kings County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Kings County, California.
- 1800s: The area that would eventually become Kings County was inhabited by the Yokuts Native American tribe.
- 1850s: The California Gold Rush led to an influx of settlers in the region.
- 1874: Kings County was officially established, named after the Kings River.
- 1893: Hanford became the county seat of Kings County.
- Early 1900s: Agriculture became the primary industry in the county, with crops like cotton, wheat, and citrus being grown.
- 1933: The Naval Air Station Lemoore was established in Kings County, becoming an important military installation.
- 1961: The Kettleman Hills hazardous waste facility was opened, sparking concerns about environmental and public health issues.
- 1983: The Hanford Nuclear Reservation, a Cold War-era nuclear production complex, was decommissioned.
- Today: Kings County continues to be a major agricultural region, known for its production of dairy products, fruits, nuts, and vegetables.