About Atwater, CA

Atwater is a small town located in the state of California, in Merced County. Atwater, CA, has a population of about 29,000 people. Atwater is located in the San Joaquin Valley. For visitors, Atwater has a lot to offer in the beautiful nature of the area and the history of the small towns in the 19th century.

The pioneers found the area habitable with its large rivers and rolling plains. Such natural surroundings provided excellent opportunities for the development of agriculture. Historically the area was inhabited by Yokut Indian clans and the Spanish who forced them out. In 1848, after the Mexican-American War ended, the area around Atwater began to change. Gold deposits discovered here in 1849 attracted the attention of adventurers.

The first major landowner of these lands was John W. Mitchell. He and his brother were in the business of procuring firewood and hay. The business was going well as the gold mines required materials for gold mining. He spent all his profits on buying land. He bought up half a million acres of land including the land of the modern Atwater, CA. Thanks to his actions the town grew even faster. He gave people coming to Atwater land and equipment to work and build houses for rent.

Mitchell facilitated the arrival of Marshall David Atwater. Atwater was one of Mitchell’s first land tenants. Atwater later purchased 6,000 acres. He soon became one of the largest producers of grain. The development of the railroad accelerated the growth of Atwater’s business. He acquired some 5,000 more acres of land in the surrounding area and was one of the largest agriculturists. George Bloss Sr. was the manager of Mitchell’s estate. In 1888 the Merced Land & Fruit Company established Atwater.

Atwater, CA, fell into stagnation as the gold rush subsided. Atwater’s population was only 100 by the beginning of the 20th century. Investment in the town came thanks to Mitchell’s heirs. Their charitable foundations gave money to build a hospital and a library. Atwater CA developed slowly, but slowly, especially due to the presence of Highway 99 and the Santa Fe Railroad nearby.

A great fire in 1912 destroyed all homes and businesses from Third and Fourth Streets. George Bloss Sr. built the Bloss Block, which housed several businesses affected by the fire.

By the 1940s Atwater, CA, had a population of about 1,200. With the opening of Castle Air Force Base in 1941, new residents flocked to the town. The airbase was opened as a training ground for military pilots, the demand for which increased particularly during the Second World War. While Atwater CA grew, new citizens were welcomed into their homes by local residents.

Ralston Park came into being on Clark Ralston’s land, which was obtained through the active efforts of Atwater residents. Its construction was paid for by the state.

Atwater is now a small town with well-developed infrastructure and a history of its own. There is Castle Air Force Base and Castle Air Museum nearby. The town covers 6.1 square miles. Atwater offers quiet, tranquil small-town life with picturesque surroundings and a lack of heavy industries. The surrounding area of Atwater offers places that take you back in time to the days of the gold rush. The town has everything you need to live, including shops, schools, pharmacies, medical facilities, and entertainment venues. Atwater, CA, has published its own newspaper, The Atwater Signal, since 1911.

The following attractions and places of entertainment can be found in and around Atwater, CA, itself: Atwater Branch Merced County Library, Rancho Del Rey Golf Course, Atwater Memorial Ballpark, Castle Air Museum, Veterans Memorial Building.

Atwater CA is saturated with historical heritage. This can easily be seen in the town hall, libraries, and memorial buildings. The Bloss House Museum and Castle Air Museum immerse you in the history of the city and surrounding area. Relive the 19th century in the many churches preserving the architectural style of the time. The Atwater Memorial Ballpark, the E L Walters Park, the Andy Albiani Park, or the Heller Park are all open to visitors. There are plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy. For those who love civilization and shopping, there are several modern shopping malls in the city.