08/31/2025
AskKirkLockhart about : Modesto CA. Here are 10 facts about Modesto, California:
American Graffiti was inspired by Modesto. Director George Lucas, who grew up in Modesto, based his 1973 film American Graffiti on the city's cruising culture of the 1950s and 60s. The city celebrates this history with the Historic Graffiti Cruise Route and the annual "Graffiti Summer" event.
The Modesto Arch displays the city's motto. The neon arch at 9th and I Streets reads "Water Wealth Contentment Health". A 1911 contest determined the motto, with the winner receiving a $3 prize. An early entry, "Nobody's got Modesto's goat," was rejected.
The world's largest family-owned winery is located in Modesto. E. & J. Gallo Winery, founded in 1933 by Ernest and Julio Gallo, has its headquarters in Modesto. It is the largest wine producer globally by volume.
Modesty inspired the city's name. In 1870, when the Central Pacific Railroad established the town, director William Chapman Ralston was asked to have the city named after him. He declined, and the townspeople chose the Spanish word for "modest," which is modesto.
The city is in a productive agricultural region. Modesto is located in the Central Valley, surrounded by farmland. Stanislaus County ranks high in farm production, with major crops including milk, almonds, walnuts, and peaches.
The city's outdoor concert series was designed by a landscape architect. The Modesto Band of Stanislaus County (MoBand) performs free summer concerts at the Mancini Bowl in Graceada Park. John McLaren, who designed San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, designed the park.
Modesto is a "Tree City USA" award winner. The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Modesto for its commitment to urban forestry.
The railroad founded Modesto. The Central Pacific Railroad established Modesto in 1870. The downtown layout reflects its railroad-era grid.
Modesto is a convenient location for day trips. The city is approximately 90 miles east of San Francisco and just over 60 miles west of Yosemite National Park.
The arts scene is thriving. The Gallo Center for the Arts offers a variety of performances, including the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, Broadway productions, and other live entertainment. The city received national attention for its high-art architecture in the early 20th century. Modesto, CA has 10 ZIP Codes ; 95356, Standard, 33,070 ; 95357, Standard, 12,692 ; 95358, Standard, 32,131 ; 95397,
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