History of Madera
Madera’s story begins in 1876, when the California Lumber Company built a 54-mile flume to carry logs from the Sierra Nevada down into the San Joaquin Valley. A town quickly grew at the flume’s end, named Madera, which is Spanish for lumber. That same year, the first town lots were auctioned, overseen by the lumber company manager, who later became one of Madera’s earliest civic leaders and was elected sheriff.
The lumber flume, one of several in the region, played a central role in the community’s early years. At times, particularly in the 1890s and again during World War I, lumber shipments surged, fueling growth across the Valley and beyond. The flume was dismantled in 1931, but its impact helped shape Madera’s identity and laid the foundation for the city that followed.
Madera County was officially created on May 16, 1893, with the City of Madera becoming the county seat in 1896. A courthouse, jail, and County Park soon followed, along with the founding of the first Chamber of Commerce in 1898. By the time the city formally incorporated in 1907, Yosemite Avenue had become the hub of business and community life. In 1912, the street was “paved” by spreading oil over dirt to control dust, a practical solution at the time before true asphalt was installed. Downtown quickly grew with grocery stores, hotels, banks, restaurants, and venues for skating, polo matches, and even national radio broadcasts.
While lumber and cattle fueled Madera’s early economy, agriculture quickly took a prominent role. By 1910, the local economy included both animal husbandry and crop cultivation. The Miller & Lux cattle operations were influential, employing many residents and using local crops for feed. Farming initially relied on rainfall and private dams, producing wheat, barley, and alfalfa. Crops were transported by wagon, while dried meat, hides, and livestock were shipped by rail to San Francisco.
As the lumber industry waned, advances in irrigation and dam construction transformed the region. Permanent plantings of fruits and nuts replaced grains as the primary crops, forming the backbone of Madera’s economy today. From its beginnings as a flume town to its evolution as a thriving agricultural hub, Madera’s history reflects resilience, growth, and a lasting legacy of community spirit.
A special thank you to Bill Coate and Lawrence Lihosit for providing the historical details that made this article possible; their contributions help share and preserve Madera’s history.
Centennial Celebration: Celebrating 100 Years 1907-2007
In 2007, Madera celebrated its centennial, marking 100 years since its incorporation as a city. A dedicated Centennial Committee was formed to organize a year-long series of events for the public to enjoy and participate in. Here’s a summary of the Centennial festivities:
Old Timer’s Parade: The year began with the Old Timer’s Parade in September 2006, setting the Centennial theme in motion.
Centennial Kick-Off Celebration: In January 2007, the City of Madera hosted a memorable Centennial Kick-Off Celebration. This event began with an Open House at City Hall and was followed by a significant City Council meeting where Bill Coate read a proclamation, officially designating 2007 as the year of Madera’s Centennial Celebration.
Century Luncheon: On March 27, 2007, the Madera Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Madera Rotary Club and Madera Sunrise Rotary, organized a Century Luncheon. This event celebrated Madera’s 100th Birthday and its rich heritage. It offered attendees a chance to reflect on Madera’s Past, explore the vibrant Madera Today, and envision the promising Madera’s Future. Additionally, this occasion paid tribute to two stalwarts of Madera’s business community: Jay Chapel and the Madera Tribune, both of which have served the city for over a century.
Centennial Park Dedication: The Madera City Council and Staff presided over the dedication of ‘Centennial Park,’ a renamed Swimming Pool Park, located at the corner of 4th and Flume Streets. This special moment was marked by the presentation of a Time Capsule to the city, generously contributed by Mr. Mike Hinton and students from Madera High School.
Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast: The Madera Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast as part of the Centennial celebrations. This event recognized individuals who have played and continue to play pivotal roles in shaping the City of Madera during its century of existence.
Centennial Tree Adoption: The City of Madera Parks and Community Services Department invited community members to participate in the celebration by adopting a Centennial Tree. Trees were planted on two occasions, April 27th and October 20, 2007, symbolizing Madera’s commitment to its past, present, and future.
These festivities provided a wonderful opportunity for Madera’s residents to commemorate their city’s rich history, reflect on the achievements of the past century, and look forward to a bright future ahead.