National Register Listing

Madera County Courthouse

210 W. Yosemite Ave., Madera, CA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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The first European to set foot in California was Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, a Portuguese explorer sailing for the Spanish crown. He arrived in what is now San Diego Bay in 1542 and explored the coast for several months.
California random facts
Madera County, located in the central part of California, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Mono and Yokut people, who thrived on the region's abundant natural resources.

In the mid-19th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area. The California Gold Rush of 1849 attracted many prospectors, and Madera County became an important stop along the way to the gold fields of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The establishment of stagecoach and freight routes brought further growth and development to the region.

Madera County was officially formed in 1893, carved out of parts of Mariposa County. Its name, Spanish for "lumber," reflects the area's strong ties to the logging industry, which played a crucial role in the county's early economy. The establishment of the lumber industry also led to the growth of towns like Madera and Raymond.

Over the years, Madera County has been shaped by agricultural development, with farms and orchards becoming a major part of its economy. The construction of the Madera Irrigation District in the early 20th century facilitated the growth of irrigated agriculture, enabling the cultivation of crops such as grapes, almonds, and cotton.

Today, Madera County continues to be a vibrant community with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and recreational activities. Its proximity to Yosemite National Park and the Sierra National Forest makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. While the county has faced challenging times, including droughts and economic fluctuations, it has persevered and remains an important part of California's history and culture.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Madera County, California.

  • 1876: Madera County officially established as a separate county in California.
  • 1893: The city of Madera is incorporated.
  • 1919: The Yosemite National Park boundary is extended, including a portion of Madera County within its borders.
  • 1921: The San Joaquin Valley Railroad connects Madera County to the rest of California.
  • 1947: The Eastman Lake reservoir is completed, providing water and recreational opportunities to Madera County residents.
  • 1977: Madera County Historical Society is formed to preserve and promote the county's history.
  • 1980: The Madera County Courthouse, a historical landmark, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1992: The North Fork Mono Rancheria is officially recognized as a federally recognized Indian tribe.
  • 2006: Madera County celebrates its 130th anniversary of establishment.