HISTORICAL SITES
In 1870, when the Central Pacific Railroad constructed its lines down the San Joaquin Valley, the town site was laid out and actual construction of our city began. Beginning with the construction of the County 1875, many buildings of the era have been preserved.
Laura's Fountain:
This beautiful fountain facing M Street was originally erected in 1888 in front of the Southern Pacific Depot. Built by Charles Huffman and named for his wife, Laura, it was moved to the City of Merced's Applegate Park in 1935.
Main Street Theater:
Located on Main Street and Martin Luther King Blvd., this theater was built in 1931 in a Spanish Colonial Revival Style. It was one of the first to be connected with the "Golden State Theater Circuit." Extensive interior remodeling has changed the interior, yet the exterior is fairly close to its original appearance.
Old County Library:
This building along M Street near 21 Street was built in 1897 as the first public high school. It was originally a red brick building of the Richardson Romanesque style. Bricked-over windows, stucco and removal of the central tower has altered the appearance. It was remodeled in 1921 to serve as a library and to house offices for the California Highway Patrol, Veterans Administration and Parks and Recreation. Now vacant, its future is undetermined.
Transpo Center:
Known as the Southern Pacific Company Passenger Station, This Neo-Classic railroad station built in 1926 is located at 16 and N Streets. Many visitors arrived here to stay at the Hotel Tioga and El Capitan Motel on their way to Yosemite. The Yosemite Valley Railroad also had a ticket office in this station for a period of time. This building now houses: the Greater Merced Chamber , CVB, YARTS the the Greyhound bus line, Yosemite Reginal Transportation System and VIA Coach Lines. .
Hotel Tioga:
This building was constructed in 1928, along N Street, in the Spanish Renaissance style. It provided accommodations for tourists traveling to Yosemite and hosted local service clubs and organizations. In 1941 it was temporary headquarters of the Merced Army Flying School until completion of Castle Air Force Base. now a residence hotel, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.