Where Fresno's communities began.

When Fresno's first settlers arrived along the new railroad in the 1860s, many were Chinese, expert brick makers who began building the city. They were soon relocated to the west side of the tracks, and Chinatown was established here around 1872.

West of the tracks grew into a lively, inclusive district. Immigrants from around the world ran shops, hotels, theaters, restaurants and services, and farmed figs, grapes, cotton and wheat. From the late 1800s to the mid 1950s, Chinatown was a vibrant place to live, work and play.

Urban renewal in the 1960s cost the neighborhood businesses, residents and historic buildings. Today, property and business owners have formed the Chinatown Fresno Foundation to lead its revival.