Sanger, California facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sanger, California
City
City of Sanger
The Sanger Depot Museum is located in the old Sanger Railroad Depot.
Flag Seal
Motto(s):  "The Nation's Christmas Tree City"
Location in Fresno County and the U.S. state of California
Sanger, California Location in California Show map of California Sanger, California Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Country	United States
State	California
County	Fresno
Founded	1888
Incorporated	May 9, 1911
Area
• Total	5.76 sq mi (14.92 km2)
• Land	5.76 sq mi (14.92 km2)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)  0%
Elevation	371 ft (113 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	26,617
• Density	4,621/sq mi (1,784.0/km2)
Demonym(s)	Sangerite
Time zone	UTC-8 (PST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-7 (PDT)
ZIP code	93657
Area code(s)	559
FIPS code	06-67056
GNIS feature IDs	277596, 2411811

Sanger is a city located in Fresno County, California, in the United States. It is about 13 miles (21 km) east-southeast of Fresno. The city sits at an elevation of 371 feet (113 meters) above sea level.

In 2020, Sanger had a population of 26,617 people. This was an increase from 24,270 people in 2010 and 18,731 people in 2000, showing that the city has been growing steadily. Sanger is known by its motto: "The Nation's Christmas Tree City."

What's in a Name? The Story Behind Sanger

Sanger was named after Joseph Sanger Jr. He was an important official at the Pacific Improvement Company. This company was connected to the Southern Pacific Railroad.

Exploring Sanger's Location and Size

Sanger is located in Fresno County, California. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city covers a total area of about 5.5 square miles (14.92 square kilometers). All of this area is land, with no significant water bodies within the city limits.

Sanger's Journey Through Time: A Brief History

The area where Sanger is now was originally home to the Yokuts people.

Early Beginnings and Railroad Connections

In 1886, the Southern Pacific Company first called this area Sanger Junction. They planned to improve access to the rich farmland. Later, it became known simply as Sanger. The name honors Joseph Sanger Jr., who visited California in 1887. He was the secretary-treasurer of the Railroad Yardmasters Association.

In 1888, the Pacific Improvement Company began selling land lots in Sanger. The first post office also opened that year.

Lumber, Growth, and the Christmas Tree City

A big step for Sanger happened in 1890. The Kings River Lumber Company built a 62-mile (100 km) long log flume. This flume was used to transport timber from the High Sierras mountains down to Sanger. In that same year, more than 75 new buildings were constructed in the growing town.

The Sanger Railroad Depot was built in 1887. It was next to the Southern Pacific Railroad line that linked Fresno to Porterville. This made Sanger a key center for shipping grain, citrus fruits, and lumber from the nearby mountains. When the depot was no longer used for trains, it was the oldest building in the city. It was given to the Sanger Historical Society, which turned it into the Sanger Depot Museum in 1977.

By 1908, Sanger had many important places. These included a grammar school, a high school, seven churches, and two newspapers. It also had an opera house, a bank, and places to store grain and pack goods.

Sanger officially became an incorporated city in 1911. In 1949, the U.S. Postal Service gave Sanger a special title: "The Nation's Christmas Tree City."

Who Lives in Sanger? Population Facts

Sanger's population has grown a lot over the years. Here's how the numbers have changed:

A former bank building in Sanger

Sanger's Population in 2010

In 2010, Sanger had 24,270 residents. Most people, about 99.4%, lived in homes. The population density was about 4,394 people per square mile (1,696 per square kilometer).

The city's population was made up of different groups. About 59.6% were White, 0.9% African American, and 1.3% Native American. About 3.1% were Asian, and 0.2% were Pacific Islander. Many residents, 31.5%, were from other races, and 3.5% were from two or more races. A large part of the population, 80.5%, identified as Hispanic or Latino.

The median age in Sanger was 29.2 years. This means half the people were younger than 29.2, and half were older. About 33.6% of the population was under 18 years old.

Sanger's Population in 2000

In 2000, Sanger had a population of 18,931 people. The population density was about 3,986 people per square mile (1,539 per square kilometer).

The racial makeup was 49.53% White, 0.42% Black or African American, and 1.20% Native American. About 1.96% were Asian, and 0.08% were Pacific Islander. Many people, 43.16%, were from other races, and 3.64% were from two or more races. A large majority, 80.92%, were Hispanic or Latino.

The median age in 2000 was 28 years. About 34.1% of the population was under 18 years old.

Arts and Culture in Sanger

Sanger has a special piece of art downtown. It's a mural of the German-born actress Nastassja Kinski. This mural was created in 1982 by Jose Maro Alvarado, an artist who grew up in Sanger.

Famous People from Sanger

Many notable people have connections to Sanger:

• Earl J. Atkisson – A World War I Colonel in the US Army.
• Tom Flores – A professional football player and coach. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2021.
• Jim Merlo – A professional football linebacker for the New Orleans Saints from 1973 to 1979.
• Manuel Neri – A well-known artist.
• Luis Ortiz (born 1995) - A baseball pitcher for the San Francisco Giants.
• Edward Dean Price – A United States federal judge.
• Frankie A. Rodriguez – An actor.
• Francis Rogallo – An aeronautical engineer and inventor.

Learning in Sanger: Education

The main high school serving the community is Sanger Union High School.

See also

In Spanish: Sanger (California) para niños