Oakhurst in Madera County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Fresno Flats Townsite

1856

Photographed by Lester J Letson, October 12, 2012

1. Fresno Flats Townsite Marker

Inscription. Fresno Flats was a farming and supply center for the mining and lumber industries. The local blacksmith was known throughout the area as the only one able to fabricate and repair large wheels. The oldest still-operating in Madera County Post Office opened here in 1874. Tired of hearing "Fresno Flats, That's where Charlie Meyers robbed the Yosemite Stage!", Mrs. C Meyers circulated a petition among newcomers to change the name to Oakhurst. Without the knowledge or consent of the pioneer families it became Oakhurst in 1912. The disgruntled oldtimers nicknamed it "Oh, Cursed!" The Old Missouri Saloon is to the East and the blacksmith barn to the West.

Erected 1997 by Grup Culch Chapter, E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.

Location. 37° 19.583′ N, 119° 38.983′ W. Marker is in Oakhurst, California, in Madera County. It is at the intersection of Fresno Flats Road (Road 425B) and Crane Valley Road (Road 426), on the left when traveling south on Fresno Flats Road. Marker sits on Sierra Telephone property and is only 50 feet away from

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the French Trail marker erected in 2004. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 39858 425B, Oakhurst CA 93644, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Joaquin Valley,

specifically in the Central Valley,

and in the Sierra Nevada.

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: Old French Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Highway 49 - The Golden Chain (approx. half a mile away); Oakhurst Centennial (approx. 0.6 miles away); Local Indigenous Dwellings (approx. 0.6 miles away); Grinding Holes (approx. 0.6 miles away); Acorn Granary (approx. 0.6 miles away); Little Church on the Hill (approx. 0.6 miles away); Giant Sequoia Cutting (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oakhurst.

Regarding Fresno Flats Townsite. Fresno Flats was one of the earliest settlements in Fresno County. When it was established, Madera County was part of Fresno County, and there was no city of Fresno yet in Fresno County.

Photographed by Lester J Letson, October 12, 2012

2. Fresno Flats Townsite Marker

Marker sits in front of a Sierra Telephone maintenance lot.

Fresno Flats image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Unknown, circa 1890

3. Fresno Flats

From an E Clampus Vitus pamphlet. The word Saloon can be seen on the building to the right.

Old building near the marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Lester J Letson, October 12, 2012

4. Old building near the marker

This is likely the old blacksmith shop referred to on the marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 15, 2012, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. This page has been viewed 1,382 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 15, 2012, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.