Serving as the cultural, economic, and commercial hub of the County, Visalia continues to grow - in population (130,000+), diversity, and sophistication. Once a creek side settlement, Visalia has become a thriving community that takes pride in the small town feel and high quality of life that accompanies its big city amenities.
Youth Sports:
The city of Visalia offers families the opportunity to get their children out of the house and into community building youth sports programs, these include Baseball, Basketball, NFL Flag Football, Tennis, and Volleyball. For more information, follow this link to the City of Visalia Youth Sports Homepage.
Parks and Trails:
The City of Visalia's parks and trails provide an inviting array of recreation opportunities for residents and visitors alike. From tot lots and playgrounds, to picnic areas and sports fields, parks provide fun for all! Our trail system is an exciting amenity which invites residents and visitors alike to enjoy the natural beauty of our community.
History:
When California achieved statehood in 1850, Tulare County did not exist. The land that is now our county was part of the huge County of Mariposa. In 1852, some adventuresome pioneers settled in this area, then called Four Creeks. The area got its name from many watershed creeks and rivers flowing from the Sierra Nevada Mountains. All the water resulted in a widespread swampy area with a magnificent oak forest. The industrious group of settlers petitioned the state legislature for county status and on July 10 of that same year, Tulare County became a reality.
One of the first inhabitants of a fort built by the settlers, unnecessarily as it turns out; to protect themselves from Native Americans was Nathaniel Vise. Nathaniel was responsible for surveying the new settlement. In November of 1852, he wrote, "The town contains from 60-80 inhabitants, 30 of whom are children of school age. The town is located upon one of the subdivisions of the Kaweah (River) and is destined to be the county seat of Tulare.” In 1853, that prediction became a reality and Visalia has remained the county seat since that time.
Visalia is named for Nathaniel Vises' ancestral home, Visalia, Kentucky. Early growth in Visalia can be attributed in part to the gold rush along the Kern River. The gold fever brought many transient miners through Visalia along the way and when the lure of gold failed to materialize, many returned to Visalia to live their lives and raise families.