Turlock was founded by John William Mitchell in December 1871. A prominent grain farmer, John Mitchell acquired over 100,000 acres of farmland between Modesto and Merced including what is known the City of Turlock. Incorporated in 1906, Turlock has grown to become the second largest city in Stanislaus County with a population over 70,000.
Turlock is proud of its people, boasting a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds. Portuguese, Swedish, Mexican, Assyrian, Greek, Japanese, Chinese people have settled in Turlock, bringing a unique blend of talents and cultural heritage to what we call “The Heart of the Valley”.
In 1960, Turlock was selected to be home to California State University Stanislaus and opened it doors with 756 students. Enrollment has grown to its current level of 8,900 students and over 40,000 alumni. CSU Stanislaus offers 42 undergraduate programs, 23 masters and doctoral degree programs, and seven post-graduate credentials in six colleges.
As John Mitchell realized in the 19th
century, Turlock boasts some of the richest, most fertile soil in the world and is home to a wide variety of agriculture and related industries. Turlock Irrigation District is the oldest irrigation district in the state and provides low cost electric power and irrigation water for agriculture. Commodities grown and packaged in the area include milk, cheese, almonds, chickens, turkeys, eggs, grapes, walnuts, and peaches.
Turlock Today…
With over 70,000 residents, Turlock is the second largest city in Stanislaus County and continues to be one of the major growth areas of the County offering affordable housing, a strong educational system, a full service community hospital, and an expanding retail base. Located in the heart of the Central Valley, Turlock is within a two-hour drive to the Monterey Coast, San Francisco Bay Area, and Yosemite National Park.
Educational excellence continues to be a focus of the community with ten (10) neighborhood elementary sites and two (2) comprehensive high schools. Turlock is fortunate to be the home of California State University Stanislaus and its almost 9,000 students. CSU Stanislaus is not just a place of higher learning, but also provides a number of community-oriented activities throughout the year.
Turlock’s expanding retail centers located along Geer Road, the Crossroads Center, and Monte Vista Crossings offer the shopper an expanded selection of goods and services.
Our tree lined streets; friendly atmosphere; and our charming Main Street are a unique taste of hometown America. Known for our churches, parks and proximity to recreational activities, Turlock will feel like your home away from home. So come on home to Turlock, there's no place else on earth like it!
Information cited from city’s website, please follow link for more information.
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