Hills Ferry, California facts for kids

Hills Ferry was once a small community in the northern part of the San Joaquin Valley in Stanislaus County, California. It was a place that didn't have its own city government, often called an unincorporated community. You could find Hills Ferry near the border of Stanislaus County and Merced County, about 3 miles (4.8 km) northeast of the city of Newman. Its exact spot was at 37°20′56″N 120°58′47″W / 37.34889°N 120.97972°W / 37.34889; -120.97972.

This community was located right where the Merced River flows into the larger San Joaquin River. This spot, where two rivers join, is called a confluence.

The Story of Hills Ferry

Hills Ferry has an interesting past, starting with a simple way to cross a river.

Early Beginnings (1850s)

In 1850, a special boat called a ferry was set up to carry people and goods across the San Joaquin River. This ferry was very important for travel and trade in the area. By 1854, a man named Jesse Hill took over the ferry. Because of him, the place became known as Hill's Ferry.

A Busy Trading Spot

The ferry quickly became a major place for shipping grain. Farmers grew a lot of grain in the fields nearby. During the autumn harvest, Hills Ferry was especially busy. It was a hub where goods were moved and traded.

By the late 1870s, Hills Ferry was a lively place. Hundreds of people lived there. Many more lived on the ranches surrounding the community.

Decline and Disappearance

Things changed for Hills Ferry when a new railroad was built. In 1888, the railroad went through the nearby city of Newman. This meant people could ship goods by train instead of by ferry. Because of this, Hills Ferry quickly became less important.

A building that once housed the Simon Newman Company store was in Hills Ferry. Later, it became a theater called Fisher's Opera House. This building was torn down in 1904. In July 1906, a large fire happened near Hills Ferry and Newman. It destroyed many acres of wheat, barley, and pasture land. Farm equipment and buildings were also lost. By 1976, almost nothing was left of Hills Ferry. It was said that "not even the shadows of a ghost town" remained.

Famous Visitor

In May 1868, a famous Scottish botanist named John Muir crossed the river here. He was on a long walk from Oakland to Yosemite. Muir later wrote about his travels and observations of plants in California.