Clovis

Clovis, with its close ties to Fresno and agricultural roots, experiences regular accidents on CA-168. These incidents impact local commutes and disrupt travel to the nearby Sierra Nevada.

The year was 1890 and the Transcontinental Railroad was long since complete. Railroad fever was in full force throughout the United States. The Fresno Valley was no different. Under the investments and direction of several businessmen from Fresno, the San Joaquin Valley Railroad was established.

In building their railroad, Thomas E. Hughes, Marcus Pollasky, Fulton Berry, William Williams, Gilbert Osmun, H.D. Colson, and John D. Gray planned a freight stop on land owned by George Owen and Clovis Cole. The railroad would traverse the two properties along their joint border. On the side owned by Clovis Cole, there would be a small station. From this, the city of Clovis was born.

Whether planned or not, the Clovis stopping point would see considerable growth because of its proximity to Stevens Creek. The railroad is largely a thing of the past and the lumber mills have long since ceased to be the driving force of the Clovis economy, but one thing remains: Accidents happen.