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

The Modesto Arch

Erected 1912 - Restored and Re-dedicated October 2012

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, May 3, 2022

1. The Modesto Arch Marker

Inscription. The Modesto Arch was erected in 1912 by the Modesto Business Men's Association, the predecessor to the Modesto Chamber of Commerce. The arch was intended to be the centerpiece of Modesto's growing downtown. A contest was held to decide on the proposed design for the structure as well as the slogan which graces the arch. Final design was submitted by Modesto architect, Bernard Joseph. The slogan chosen was "Water Wealth Contentment Health"
Over the years the arch was repainted different colors and the flags were removed. By 2012 it was badly in need of repair. The Modesto Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the City of Modesto, undertook the task of repairing and restoring the arch to its original glory.

The huge project was possible by the donations of time, materials, labor and money from many local individuals and organizations.

Erected 2012.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Agriculture. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1912.

Location. 37° 38.325′ N, 121° 0.025′ W. Marker is in Modesto, California, in Stanislaus County. It is at the intersection of I Street and Ninth

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Street, on the right when traveling west on I Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Modesto CA 95354, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the San Joaquin Valley

and specifically in the Central Valley.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Southern Pacific Railroad Passenger Depot (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bart Bartoni - The Godfather of 10th St (about 500 feet away); The Car Customizers (about 500 feet away); Modesto Music Scene (about 500 feet away); The Origin of Cruising (about 500 feet away); Nightclubs and Dancehalls of the 50s and 60s (about 600 feet away); Modesto City Offices (about 700 feet away); Key Classic Cars (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Modesto.

The Modesto Arch Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, May 3, 2022

2. The Modesto Arch Markers

The Modesto Arch image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, May 3, 2022

3. The Modesto Arch

Dedicated March 9, 1912
As a gateway over U.S. 99 which traversed downtown (north to south) on 9th Street, I Street, 7th Street to the 7th Street Bridge.
Morada Parlor #199
Native Daughters of the Golden West
June 20, 1997

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, May 3, 2022

4. The Modesto Arch

Mural in the city parking lot across the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, May 3, 2022

5. Mural in the city parking lot across the street

Credits. This page was last revised on September 20, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 4, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 1,584 times since then and 804 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 4, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.