Fresno was founded in 1872 in the middle of the vast, fertile San
Joaquin Valley and quickly became the financial and social center of
California. From the infinite amount of agricultural products to lumber,
oil, water, and electrical power, the city thrived upon the multitude of
natural resources that were abundantly available in the area. As the
county seat, it was the political and cultural center of central
California. Shown in this volume are postcards of the city in its
heyday.