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| << Back to map | North Fork, CA |
North Fork has an estimated population of 3500, consisting of long time residents plus retirees seeking a peaceful village. A rapid cycle of rebirth is occurring following the closing of the historic lumber mill in the early 1990s. The Scenic By-way to the High Sierras honors the town's charming character by making it the first stop before it continues into the Sierra National Forest. The Geographical Center of California Marker is just outside of town; an interesting local activity is to find the official marker and plaque.
North Fork began as a stop for provisions at Brown's Store on the trail taking cattle across the mountains to feed the Gold Miners in Mammoth. Shortly thereafter a lumber mill was built and North Fork grew up around it. The town grew to the point in the mid 1940s where there were four grocery stores, a pharmacy, 2 gas stations, a movie theater, a hardware store, several motels and the elementary school had more than 200 students. The annual payroll at the mill was over $1 Million in the mid 1960s. In 1996 the mill closed plunging the local workers into unemployment and causing many of the local stores and services to close. The mill site was deeded to Madera County. The local Community Development Council has been working on a master-plan to include light industry, RV resort, housing, offices and recreation. |
