Central Valley Roots
KVPR's Central Valley Roots explores the history, people and places of Central California. Discover something new about our region, past and present, with each episode. From Fresno and Bakersfield, to Visalia and Merced, the Central Valley is full of rich stories that make the place we call home special. Send us your question about local history or places to roots@kvpr.org and we might answer it in a future episode.
Latest Episodes
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Colonel Thomas Baker helped found both Visalia and Bakersfield. -
The city may be named for Colonel Thomas Baker, but he wasn't the first to call the area home. -
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Called one of the most influential Americans of all-time, California Governor and Chief Justice of the United States Earl Warren grew up in Bakersfield. -
Fort Washington's history goes back over 175 years to Alta California General José Castro. The fort was likely the first building in what is today Fresno County. -
Minna Eshleman ran the Minnewawa Ranch and was a pioneer in her scientific approach to agriculture.
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This neighborhood in Southeast Fresno was home many of Fresno's agricultural pioneers. -
The obelisk along Highway 140 at Arboleda Road is one of the most unusual roadside landmarks in the Central Valley. -
The park has a rich history, but is still infamous for its unusual orientation, with batters facing into the setting sun.
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Today's Fresno Yosemite International Airport began as Army Air Corps training base during World War II.
