Home › California › Madera

Madera, California

Located in Madera County, California, Madera was established in 1876. 'Madera' means 'wood' in Spanish — named for lumber industry. Gateway to Yosemite via Highway 41.

Founded 1876 | Population 56,700 | Peak 56,700 (2024) | County Madera County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Madera, California

undefined

1876 Railroad Town: Central Pacific Railroad.

undefined

1907 Incorporated: Madera was officially incorporated as a city.

undefined

1990 Economic Development: Madera grew through the technology sector.

undefined

2010 Modern Era: Madera continued to develop as part of the greater metropolitan area, with new infrastructure and community amenities.

🧠

How Well Do You Know Madera?

5 questions • 2 minutes

Take the Quiz →

Latest News in Madera

Parolee with Prior Double-Murder Conviction Sentenced to Life Without Parole in Killing of South Los Angeles Woman

LOS ANGELES—A man previously convicted of two murders in 1998 was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole …

Study: Cannabis Ineffective for Most Mental Disorders

A major review of past studies has delivered a clear verdict on the role of cannabis-based medicines in treating mental health and…

Investigator Exposes $170M Fraud in California

Investigator Nick Shirley has brought to light a massive $170 million fraud scheme operating within California, representing a sig…

NYPD Captain Arrested for Assaulting Alleged Child Predator

NYPD Captain Kai Bowen is now facing serious legal repercussions following an off-duty incident that escalated into violence. Repo…

What’s Behind Trump’s Push to Revive California Oil?

The Trump administration’s directive to Sable Offshore Corp. to restore the Santa Ynez oil unit in California represents a s…

CBS Investigation Reveals Hospice Fraud Hotspot in Los Angeles

CBS News has exposed a troubling epicenter of hospice fraud in Los Angeles, California, shedding light on a systemic issue that ha…

Complete Historical Timeline

1876 Transport

Railroad Town

1907 Government

Incorporated

1990 Industry

Economic Development

2010 Culture

Modern Era

Did You Know?

1

'Madera' means 'wood' in Spanish — named for lumber industry.

2

Gateway to Yosemite via Highway 41.

3

Madera County seat in the Central Valley.

4

Madera was founded in 1876.

5

Madera has a population of approximately 56,700.

Famous People from Madera, California

LE

Lee Evans

Sprinter · Born Feb 25, 1947 · Died May 19, 2021 (age 74)

WO

Wally O'Connor

Swimmer, Water Polo Player · Born Aug 25, 1903 · Died Oct 11, 1950 (age 47)

Other Cities in California

View all California cities →

Pop. 3,898,747

Pop. 1,386,932

Pop. 1,013,240

Pop. 873,965

Pop. 542,107

Pop. 524,943

See something that needs correcting?

We take accuracy seriously. Help us keep Madera's history right.