Discover Chowchilla, CA

Chowchilla, CA:

A Historical Jewel in Madera County

Chowchilla, a city in Madera County, California, is steeped in history. The cityโ€™s name originates from a local Native American tribe known as the Chowchilla Indians, also referred to as Horse-thief Indians. The city was officially established on May 22, 1912, when Robertson purchased the Chowchilla Ranch from the California Pastoral and Agricultural Company Ltd.

The cityโ€™s geography places it 16 miles northwest of Madera, at an elevation of 220 feet. This location offers residents a unique blend of rural charm and suburban amenities.
Chowchilla, CA
One of the influential figures in Chowchillaโ€™s history is Orlando Robertson, a Virginia land speculator who laid out the town of Chowchilla and started a promotional campaign advertising Chowchilla as a prosperous agricultural area.
Significant landmarks in Chowchilla include the Chowchilla Historical Society & Museum, which has been collecting artifacts, documents, and stories since 1983.
As per the 2020 Census, Chowchilla had a population of 19,039. Today, Chowchilla continues to be a vibrant community, maintaining its historical roots while embracing the conveniences of modern living.
One tragic yet significant event in the cityโ€™s history was the Chowchilla bus kidnapping in 1976, where 26 school children and their bus driver were kidnapped and buried alive in a tractor trailer. This shocking event has left an indelible mark on the cityโ€™s history.