The town of Atwater was rich in a different kind of treasure than the gold usually sought by people flocking to California in the 1850s. Named for Marshall D. Atwater; a tenant on several of founder John W. Mitchells 2;000-acre parcels; the community boasted a mineral-rich alluvial soil that made it an extremely productive agricultural area. When the Central Pacific Railroad came through--thanks to lobbying from Mitchell; along with several strips of free land deeded to the railroad--a switch was laid next to Atwaters warehouse. The train switch and the building became known as Atwater Station; and in time; the town itself bore his name.
#2073533 in eBooks 2002-06-25 2002-06-25File Name: B009A12NRS
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