Herndon, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Herndon
Sycamore Point, Sycamore, Palo Blanco
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 Herndon
Location in California
Herndon
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Fresno County |
| Elevation | 299 ft (91 m) |
Herndon, once known as Sycamore, is a small community in Fresno County, California. It's not an official city, but a place where people live without a local government. You can find Herndon about 9 miles (14 km) northwest of downtown Fresno. It sits at an elevation of 299 feet (91 meters) above sea level.
History of Herndon
Herndon started out as a place where steamboats could stop along the San Joaquin River. This spot was first called Sycamore Point. It was important because it was as far as steamboats could travel up the river all year round.
Early Days as Sycamore Point
Steamboats used Sycamore Point to deliver supplies for Fort Miller. Later, they also brought goods for the town of Millerton. From the 1860s to the 1880s, there was also a ferry boat that helped people cross the river nearby.
Growth and Name Changes
The community began to grow more when a railroad built a bridge over the river in 1872. This new area was called Sycamore. The first post office for the town opened on September 3, 1872, and was named Palo Blanco. However, it closed just one year later, on September 4, 1873.
The town's growth slowed down because an important water project, meant to bring water for farming, didn't work out. It wasn't until 1887 that a new post office, named Herndon, finally opened. This post office closed in 1893 but then opened again in 1907.
