1806
Lt. Gabriel Moraga explores area searching for mission sites.

1830
Kit Carson traps on valley rivers.

1844
John C. Fremont camps on Stanislaus River.

1854
Stanislaus County organized.

1870
Founding of Modesto
District school at 10th and I.
Southern Pacific Train Depot
built on I Street.

1871
Modesto becomes
the County Seat.

1872
First school building at 14th between H and I.
An act to encourage
irrigation passes.
Drought year.

1872-73
Stanislaus County Courthouse built at cost of $60,000.

1873
First irrigation canal constructed.

1875
Modesto Hook and Ladder Company organized.
Grollman Building built.

1876
Modesto Water Company organized.

1877
Rogers Hall built.

1878
Modesto Bank organized.
Four physicians in Modesto.

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1880
Population of Modesto is 1,693.
Prentiss Hotel opens.
Land for Modesto's first park donated by Southern Pacific.

1881
Fire destroys 9th & 10th,
I & J Street blocks.

1882
First private telephone installed.

1883
First high school class organized.

1884
Modesto incorporated
as city of fifth class.
First telephone service
started by F. E. Coulter

1885
First city jail built at 11th & G.

1886
First high school graduating class.

1887
Semi-weekly mail service inaugurated.
First Election of Modesto Irrigation District officers.

1889
528 children in public schools.

1890
Population of Modesto
2,024.

1893
First crisis for M.I.D. - no money.

1894
First public telephone booth.

1899
First high school district established.

1900
Dairy industry begins
in Stanislaus County

1901
Fire destroys last of
'Old Modesto.'