Clovis in Fresno County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The San Joaquin Valley Railroad
Photographed By Lester J Letson, circa April 10, 1996
1. The San Joaquin Valley Railroad Marker
The original brass marker
The railroad was constructed as far as Hamptonville, now known as Friant, and subsequently was taken over by the Southern Pacific. In securing right-of-way for the railroad Pollasky promised Clovis Cole to build a depot in exchange for right-of-way. Cole also donated land for the townsite. So the San Joaquin Valley Railroad was directly responsible for the founding of the City of Clovis.
Erected 1971 by James Savage Chapter No. 1852, E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 14.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1971.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 36° 49.8′ N, 119° 42.05′ W. Marker was in Clovis
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. Tarpey Depot (approx. 0.3 miles away); Clovis Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); September 11th California Memorial (approx. 3 miles away); Fort Washington (approx. 5 miles away); Korea "The Forgotten War" (approx. 5.2 miles away); French Merci Train Boxcar (approx. 5.2 miles away); French Merci Train Boxcar Cover (approx. 5.2 miles away); Christmas Tree Lane (approx. 6.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clovis.
More about this marker. The original brass marker erected in 1971 was stolen in early 2009. The replacement marker of black granite was erected 38 years to the day with 2 of the people that originally dedicated the monument in attendence. One of them present for the 1971 dedication was Harry Armstrong who returned 38 years later to attend the dedication as Mayor of Clovis, California.
Regarding The San Joaquin Valley Railroad. The railroad was located close to the end of the flume that brought
Photographed By Lester J Letson, circa April 1991
2. The San Joaquin Valley Railroad Marker
Original brass marker, photo taken 19 years ago
Additional commentary.
1. Land not "donated"
Every where it is consistently and erroneously told that Cole donated land for the depot, the town, the right-of-way, etc. He did not. He sold it. SOLD, not given. The original deed is on display at the Clovis Museum. Go see.
— Submitted October 7, 2014, by Rus Stolling of Clovis, California.
Photographed By Lester J Letson
3. The Replacement Marker
Rededicated this 10th day of October 2009
James Savage Chapter No 1852
E Clampus Vitus
Marker is mounted on original base at the same location of the original marker.
Photographed By Mandy Kirby, March 10, 2019
4. The San Joaquin Valley Railroad Marker
Photographed By Mandy Kirby, March 10, 2019
5. The San Joaquin Valley Railroad Marker
Photographed By Lester J Letson
6. The San Joaquin Valley Railroad Marker
Original newspaper article showing the dedication in 1971.
Photographed By Lester J Letson, March 2009
7. The San Joaquin Valley Railroad Marker
A group of Clampers in shock after discovering the theft of the original brass marker in early 2009.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 11, 2019. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. This page has been viewed 2,319 times since then and 40 times this year. Last updated on February 27, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. It was the Marker of the Week March 28, 2010. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 22, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. 4, 5. submitted on March 11, 2019, by Mandy Kirby of Clovis, California. 6, 7. submitted on February 22, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
