Kerman in Fresno County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Sycamore Point
Photographed by probably Olen White
1. Sycamore Point Marker
picture is from the Kerman Historical Society files
Steamboats carrying supplies for Millerton reached the head of navigation at Sycamore Point on the south bank of the San Joaquin River about one mile upstream from here.
In the spring of 1852 and for many years thereafter paddle wheel steamers made regular trips during high water. Their cargoes were carried from that point on by wagon. The last steamer to reach this point was in 1911.
Erected 1963 by Jim Savage Chapter No. 1852, E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 5.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 36° 49.273′ N, 120° 3.633′ W. Marker was in Kerman, California, in Fresno County. It could be reached from North Madera Avenue (State Highway 145) 0.4 miles north of West Barstow Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Kerman CA 93630, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker was in California’s San Joaquin Valley, specifically in the Central Valley, and in the Sierra Nevada. It was also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it was 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 found itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Sycamore Point (within shouting distance of this marker); Kerman
this page online
More about this marker. The actual location of Sycamore Point is upstream about a mile on private property. The brass marker commemorating Sycamore Point was affixed to a portion of the old Skaggs Bridge along the old path of Madera Avenue which had been destroyed by a flood years ago. The marker was apparently pried off by metal thieves.
The portion of the old Skaggs Bridge that the marker was placed on is now gone as well. Additional flooding and the ravages of time have reduced the old bridge to various pieces of old concrete rubble. A modern bridge stands to the west of the old bridge.
Regarding Sycamore Point. The steamer J. R. McDonald continued
Photographed by Unknown, circa 1963
2. Sycamore Point Marker
News article from 1963 showing the brass marker before it was installed
Also see . . . Skaggs Bridge Park. Fresno County Parks website entry (Submitted on November 5, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Lester J Letson, August 29, 2010
3. Looking upriver towards Sycamore Point
The new modern bridge over the San Joaquin River is seen in this picture looking upstream from the old Skagg's Bridge. Sycamore Point was upstream from this location.
Photographed by Lester J Letson, September 2, 2010
4. Likely location of the old Skaggs Bridge
Sycamore Point is a mile upstream from this location
Credits. This page was last revised on December 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 21, 2011, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. This page has been viewed 2,162 times since then and 59 times this year. Last updated on December 20, 2025, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. Photos: 1. submitted on March 15, 2024, by Marilyn Felker of Kerman, California. 2. submitted on May 3, 2015, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. 3, 4. submitted on September 21, 2011, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of the marker. • • Can you help?
