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Place Name
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Fresno
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Place Status (Type)
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city
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Capital Of
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Fresno County
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Population
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354,202 (1990)
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Location
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Fresno County, California (CA), United States, North America
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Latitude
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36°47'N
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Longitude
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119°48'W
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Fresno
, city (1990 pop. 354,202),  Fresno co., S central
Calif., 120 mi/193 km ESE of San Jose, in San
Joaquin Valley; 36°47'N 119°48'W. Settled in 1872 as a station on
the Central Pacific RR, Fresno profited from irrigated farming in the
1880s. Due to the extensive and sophisticated agribusiness in the
valley, the city dramatically expanded, becoming one of the
fastest-growing cities in the U.S. Its pop. increased by more than 62%
bet. 1980 and 1990. Substantial proportion of total pop. of Muong who
live in U.S. are residents of Fresno, which is regarded by Muong as
their internatl. capital. Fresno is the financial center of the San
Joaquin valley, where food processing and shipping, service industries,
and commercial activities have flourished. The city is laced with
several irrigation canals. The variety of fruits, nuts, and vegetables
in the valley include grapes, tomatoes, figs, olives, peaches,
nectarines, sugar beets, grain, and corn. The area is also rich in
cotton harvesting and production. Cattle is abundant, and dairy farming
is important. Among the city's manufactures are beer, farm machinery,
plastic prods., vending machines, and orthopedic appliances. Nearby oil
and natural-gas fields further stimulate Fresno's economy. Fresno
Airport in E, Chandler Municipal Airport in SW. The city is the seat of
California State Univ., Fresno; Pacific Col.; and Fresno City Col. (the
oldest junior col. in Calif.; est. 1910). Of interest are Forestiere
Underground Gardens; Roeding Park, with a large zoo and amusements;
wineries; co. fairgrounds; and an annual rodeo. Fresno Mus. of Natural
History, Fresno Arts Center, Fresno Metropolitan Mus., and a
philharmonic orchestra. City and its Armenian community subject of
William Saroyan's writings. Sierra and Sequoia natl. forests to NE; a
gateway to Kings Canyon and Sequoia natl. parks, both c.55 mi to
E; Millerton L. reservoir and State Recreation Area to N. Inc.
1885.
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