Clovis is located in the northeast quadrant of the Fresno-Clovis Metropolitan Region, in the heart of the agriculturally wealthy San Joaquin Valley. Clovis has been known as the “Gateway to the Sierra” since its establishment in 1912. Dedicated to promoting planned growth while retaining its unique western atmosphere, the City’s population has more than doubled since 1985, reaching the current level of close to 114,000, and encompassing over 23 square miles in area.
Clovis was named for its public-spirited pioneer, Clovis M. Cole, who lived in the area for almost his entire life. The region was well-known for the hundreds of acres of wheat that he had cultivated in Fresno County. Padre Martin, who investigated the region in 1806 while looking for a mission site, is credited with the initial colony ideas. The first non-native individuals to visit the region were missionaries and trappers. Miners soon followed during the “gold rush” period, displacing the many Native American tribes that were settled in the foothills and near the rivers.
Marcus Pollasky, an earlier pioneer, planned and oversaw the building of a railroad across grain, livestock, and mining land and into the neighboring Sierra timber-rich woods. Clovis ultimately built up around the Southern Pacific Railroad’s San Joaquin Division, which played a key part in the city’s establishment and prosperity. In addition to the arrival of the “Iron Horse,” factors such as completing the 42 mile-long Shaver log flume, developing the 40-acre Clovis mill and finishing plant, expanding grain production, and raising livestock all combined to ensure the founding of Clovis in 1891.
Clovis is located in the northeast quadrant of the Fresno-Clovis Metropolitan Region, in the heart of the agriculturally wealthy San Joaquin Valley. Clovis has been known as the “Gateway to the Sierra” since its establishment in 1912. Clovis is still planning and adapting to fulfill the requirements of its current and future people. The City’s economy is based on retail sales and services, as well as modest manufacturing. Availability of housing, quality hospital care, excellent schools with modern facilities, responsive safety services, a mild climate, access to varied recreational opportunities, and strong community identity all contribute to Clovis’ reputation as a great place to live.
Clovis has maintained a small town community spirit as envisioned by its early founders, which is exemplified by such community events as the annual Rodeo Days, Big Hat Days, and Clovisfest celebration. This sense of community, paired with Clovis’ unique development potential, is attracting new people, developers, companies, and industries.
Demographics
- US Census American Fact Finder
