Merced history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Merced begins long before the appearance of city streets. The area was named by the Spanish officer Gabriel Moraga in 1806, who called the river flowing here El Río de Nuestra Señora de la Merced (River of Our Lady of Mercy). However, the city itself was founded on February 8, 1872. Its birth is directly linked to the expansion of the Central Pacific Railroad, which laid tracks through the San Joaquin Valley and chose this location for a new station.

Key Factors of Development

The rapid development of Merced from a simple settlement into an important regional hub was driven by a combination of geographical and logistical advantages:

• Railroad Boom: The construction of the railway became a catalyst for growth. Merced seized the economic initiative from neighbouring towns, such as Snelling, which were left away from the tracks.
• Valley Geography: Its location in the centre of the fertile San Joaquin Valley made the city a natural attraction point for farmers and traders.
• Political Status: By 1874, just two years after its founding, Merced became the administrative centre of the county of the same name, cementing its influence in the region.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Merced relied entirely on California's rich natural resources. In the early years, wheat cultivation flourished here, becoming the foundation of local prosperity. Later, with the development of irrigation systems, the region transformed into a centre for diverse agriculture and horticulture.

The cultural appearance of the city formed as a classic Wild West settlement, which, however, quickly became civilised due to the influx of families and entrepreneurs. Furthermore, as early as the late 19th century, Merced began to acquire fame as the "Gateway to Yosemite," welcoming the first tourists heading towards the famous natural beauties of the Sierra Nevada.

Major Milestones in the History of Merced

• 1806 — Spanish officer Gabriel Moraga names the local river, a name that would subsequently be adopted by the city.
• 1872 — The Central Pacific Railroad company founds the city as a new transport hub in the San Joaquin Valley.
• 1874 — Merced officially becomes the administrative centre of the county, taking this status from the town of Snelling.
• 1889 — The city receives the status of an incorporated municipality, forming its own governing bodies.
• 1907 — Operations begin on the Yosemite Valley Railroad, cementing Merced's status as the "Gateway to Yosemite."
• 1931 — Construction of the Merced Theatre is completed, becoming an architectural and cultural landmark of the centre.
• 1941 — An army airfield is founded, later transformed into Castle Air Force Base, which became the largest employer in the region.
• 1995 — Castle Air Force Base officially closes, after which the process of its transformation into a civil airport and commercial park begins.
• 2005 — The opening of the University of California, Merced (UC Merced) takes place, the first new American research university of the 21st century.
• 2011 — The restored Merced Theatre reopens its doors as a centre for the performing arts.

Key Stages of Merced's Transformation

The development of Merced is the story of a transformation from a railway station into an educational and economic hub of the region. Below are the main milestones that defined the modern look of the city:

• Railroad Start (1872)

  The arrival of the Central Pacific Railroad marked the starting point for the city. This event not only defined Merced's geographical position but instantly turned it into the main logistical hub of the valley, providing an advantage over neighbouring settlements.

• Agrarian Revolution and Irrigation (1880s)

  The creation of large-scale irrigation systems radically changed the region's economy. The transition from dry farming (wheat cultivation) to intensive horticulture and dairy farming made Merced an important player in California's agro-industrial complex.

• "Gateway to Yosemite" Status (1907)

  The opening of the Yosemite Valley Railroad, connecting Merced with the national park, formed the city's tourism brand. This stimulated the development of the hospitality business and the service sector, securing the city's role as the main transit base for travellers.

• The Era of Aviation and Castle Base (1941–1995)

  The opening of Castle Air Force Base during World War II led to a sharp increase in population and an influx of federal investment. For half a century, the base remained a city-forming enterprise that defined the social and economic stability of the county.

• Economic Restructuring (1995)

  The closure of the military base was a serious challenge requiring a revision of the development strategy. The transformation of the military airfield into a civil airport and commercial park (Castle Commerce Center) marked the beginning of the diversification of the city's economy.

• Educational Breakthrough (2005)

  The opening of UC Merced — the tenth campus of the University of California — marked the beginning of a new era. The appearance of a major research centre attracted young people, stimulated housing construction, and fostered the development of high-tech sectors, gradually changing the city's image from agrarian to university-oriented.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Merced reflects its evolution from a 19th-century railway station to a modern university city. Here, one can trace the classic stages of development of Californian settlements: from the strict grid of central streets to expanding suburbs and innovative campuses.

Foundation Era and Classicism (Late 19th Century)

The urban planning foundation of Merced was laid in the 1870s by railway engineers. The central part of the city was designed according to the orthogonal scheme (grid plan) traditional for the American West, oriented along the railway tracks.

• Style: Italian Renaissance (Neo-Renaissance).
• Landmark Building: Merced County Courthouse, built in 1875. This majestic structure with a dome topped by a statue of Minerva is a vivid example of the civic architecture of that era and a dominant feature of the historic centre.

"Golden Age" and Spanish Influence (1920–1930s)

In the early 20th century, with rising prosperity and the development of tourism in Yosemite, the city experienced a construction boom. During this period, styles highlighting California's historical connection with Spanish heritage gained popularity.

• Style: Spanish Colonial Revival.
• Landmark Buildings:
  • Merced Theatre (1931) — combines features of the Spanish Colonial style with elements of atmospheric interior design. The façade is adorned with a tower that was the tallest structure in the city for a long time.
  • Hotel Tioga (1928) — a historic hotel that became a symbol of the city's hospitality during the heyday of automobile tourism.

Post-War Modernism and Modernity

In the second half of the 20th century, with the appearance of the military base and population growth, the city began to expand beyond the historic core. Single-story ranch houses and functionalism began to prevail in residential development.

• Style: Modernism, Sustainable architecture.
• Modern Development: With the opening of UC Merced in the 21st century, modern educational complexes entered the city's architectural landscape. The university campus was designed taking into account strict environmental standards (LEED), demonstrating an example of energy-efficient construction and modern design harmoniously integrated into the natural landscape of the valley.

Culture and Arts

• Janet Leigh — Actress, singer, and author.
  One of the brightest stars of Hollywood's "Golden Age," born in Merced in 1927. She gained worldwide fame for the role of Marion Crane in Alfred Hitchcock's thriller "Psycho" (1960), for which she received a Golden Globe Award and an Oscar nomination.
• Summer Bartholomew — TV presenter and model.
  A native of Merced who won the title of "Miss USA" in 1975. She subsequently built a successful career in television, becoming known as the co-host of the popular game show Sale of the Century.

Sports

• Ray Allen — Basketball player, NBA legend.
  Born at Castle Air Force Base near Merced. A member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, two-time NBA champion, and 2000 Olympic champion. He is considered one of the greatest three-point shooters in basketball history.
• Bruce Bowen — Professional basketball player.
  Born in Merced. He became famous as one of the best defensive specialists in NBA history, becoming a three-time league champion with the San Antonio Spurs. His jersey number was retired by the club in recognition of his achievements.
• Doug Fister — Baseball player (pitcher).
  A native of the city who started his path in baseball at Merced College. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for teams such as the Detroit Tigers and Washington Nationals, setting an American League record for consecutive strikeouts in a single game.
• Jalen Green — NBA basketball player.
  One of the most talented young players of modern times, born in Merced. He became the second overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and plays for the Houston Rockets, representing a new generation of athletes from the region.

Science and Society

• Charles Ogletree — Lawyer, civil rights activist, and professor.
  A distinguished legal scholar born and raised in Merced. He was a professor at Harvard Law School and founder of the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice. He was a mentor to Barack and Michelle Obama during their studies at Harvard.