Sanger in Fresno County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Sanger

Photographed By Lester J Letson, circa March 2005

1. Sanger Marker

In front of the Sanger Depot Museum

Inscription. Founded by the Pacific Improvement Co. following the completion of Southern Pacific's east side railroad in May 1888. Its name honors Joseph Sanger, Jr., Indiana rail executive. Sanger, supported by a rich fruit citrus farming district which later made it a fruit and packing center, soon eclipsed neighboring Centerville.

In 1890, Sanger became an important part of a major Sierra Nevada logging operation, with a mill which operated nearly four decades. The 54 mile Millwood Flume (later extended to Hume) terminated here. Sanger's ties to the Sierra and support of the annual Yule pilgrimage to the General Grant Tree earned its designation as the nation's Christmas Tree City. The City of Sanger was incorporated on May 15, 1911. The S. P. depot, built in 1888 and now Sanger's oldest building, was moved to this location for use as a museum in 1977.

Jim Savage Chapter E Clampus Vitus 1852
Dedicated July 4, 1988

Erected 1988 by E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 32.)

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 May 1888.

Location. 36° 42.383′

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

N, 119° 33.733′ W. Marker is in Sanger, California, in Fresno County. Marker can be reached from Hoag Avenue east of Jensen Street. Their are 2 parking lots for the museum, one is on Hoag Street off the 1700 block of Jensen Avenue. The 7th Street address is actually the back of the museum and has a parking lot as well. If you enter on 7th street, you will have to walk around to the other side of the old depot to see the Sanger marker. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1700 7th Street, Sanger CA 93657, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Kings River - Centerville (approx. 4.1 miles away); Major James D. Savage (approx. 7.8 miles away); Fowler's Switch (approx. 8.4 miles away); Wagon Bridge (approx. 8.8 miles away); William "Yank" Hazelton (approx. 9.1 miles away); Groundwater Irrigation Beginnings (approx. 9½ miles away); Frank Dusy (approx. 10 miles away); Selma (approx. 10.1 miles away).

More about this marker. The Sanger Depot was moved to this location to be used as a museum. The large granite marker for Sanger is in front of the building.

Regarding Sanger. The sketch of the General Grant Tree on the side of the marker refers to Sanger's designation as the Nation's Christmas Tree City.

The Nation's Christmas Tree image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lester J Letson

2. The Nation's Christmas Tree

The General Grant Tree is shown on one side of the marker

General Grant Tree image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks, circa 1950

3. General Grant Tree

Description on Postcard:
General Grant Tree located in Grant Grove, Kings Canyon National Park, is the "Nation's Christmas Tree." It is 40.3 feet in diameter at the base, 267 feet high and is surrounded by a magnificent grove of Big Trees.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 31, 2018. It was originally submitted on March 4, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. This page has been viewed 2,236 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 4, 2010, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. 3. submitted on March 6, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide area view of marker and its surrounding. Photo of the Sanger Depot. • Current photo of the General Grant Tree • Can you help?