LA GRANGE

NAME: La Grange COUNTY: Stanislas ROADS: 2WD GRID: 1 CLIMATE: Mild spring, fall, cool winter, warm summer. BEST TIME TO VISIT: Anytime

COMMENTS: A few full-time residents still here;located about 30 miles east of Modesto on sr132. REMAINS: 2 large stone bldgs, wooden ioof hall, & old adobe p.O.

First known as "French Bar", named by the French miners who came into the area as early as 1852. By 1855, La Grange had become a thriving trade center, with most of the population moving up into the mining area. The county seat was transferred from Empire City to La Grange in 1855, and remained so until 1862, when another contest moved it to Knights Ferry. Only 29 votes was the difference that settled the issue. At it's height, La Grange had 4000-5000 residents, and was served by 3 stage lines. A flour mill was built by a John Talbot & Co., but was washed away in the flood of 1856. A ferry also operated here, 1st by Nathan McFarland, and later by Anthony B. McMillan. It was used from the early 1850's until about 1880, when a bridge was finally built across the river. Submitted by Bob Stelow.

La Grange Courtesy Bob Stelow

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