Modesto in Stanislaus County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Modesto – Stanislaus County Seat

Photographed By Syd Whittle, May 29, 2009

1. Modesto – Stanislaus County Seat Marker

Inscription. Originally called “Ralston” after the
founder who was too modest to permit
the use of his name, hence “Modesto”
Adamsville – 1854, Named after Doctor Adams, the only physician in the area.

Empire City – 1854-1855, Original city completely destroyed by floods, the present Empire being slightly north of the original city.

La Grange – 1856-1861, Originally “French Bar” named after the French miners who settled here to mine gold.

Knights Ferry – 1862-1871, Named after Captain Knight who built the first ferry crossing the Stanislaus River.

Modesto – 1871-Present, Following a heated county election held on Sept. 6, 1871, county citizens voted to make Modesto the County Seat, by a majority of 455 votes.

Arthur W. Seeger
Noble Grand Humbug
Estanislao Chapter No.58
E Clampus Vitus

Dedicated April 1, 2004
Clamper Year 6009
Credo Quia Absurdum

Erected 2004 by E Clampus Vitus, Estanislao Chapter No.58.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 1, 2004.

Location.

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37° 38.43′ N, 120° 59.855′ W. Marker is in Modesto, California, in Stanislaus County. Marker is on "I" Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located on the grounds of the Stanislaus County Offices. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1100 "I" Street, Modesto CA 95354, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Modesto War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); The Guns Are Silent (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Modesto War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); United States Post Office (within shouting distance of this marker); The Music of American Graffiti (within shouting distance of this marker); George Lucas (within shouting distance of this marker); Downtown Culture, Arts & Music (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named George Lucas (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Modesto.

Also see . . . Historic Modesto. Follow the history of Modesto from “Early History” to the 20th Century by clicking on the appropriate links. (Submitted on May 31, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)

Photographed By Syd Whittle, May 29, 2009

2. Modesto – Stanislaus County Seat Marker

County Offices are in the background. Embedded in the knot of the tree behind the marker is a sign from years past. See Photo #4.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, May 29, 2009

3. Modesto – Stanislaus County Seat Marker

The Modesto War Memorials are seen in the Photo.

Sign Embedded in Tree Behind Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, May 29, 2009

4. Sign Embedded in Tree Behind Marker

Reserved for Ladies
and Their Escorts This area had been a park. It was reported that ladies were not allowed in the park without an escort.

Embedded Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, May 29, 2009

5. Embedded Sign

Credits. This page was last revised on May 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,602 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 31, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.