Ever notice names like Locans, Ivesta, and Clotho on Google Maps, southeast of Fresno? These strange-sounding names aren’t new developments or ghost towns—they’re forgotten railroad sidings from the late 1800s that once helped build the Central Valley’s farming economy.
Railroad sidings are short side tracks where trains used to stop for loading, unloading, or letting other trains pass. Some are now hidden or forgotten.
In this self-guided tour, explore the remnants of these historic stops and uncover Fresno’s railroading past. While nothing may be left of the original tracks, the road names and field lines still hint at their legacy.
🗺️ Places to Visit:
🚂 Locans (Southern Pacific Railroad)
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Where: Temperance Ave, south of Butler Ave, Fresno, CA
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What to See: Rural farmland, original road alignment; name remains on street signs
🚂 Ivesta (Stockton & Tulare Railroad)
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Where: Leonard Ave near Belmont Ave
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What to See: Flat fields, still visible on Google Maps as “Ivesta,” despite no structures remaining
🚂 Clotho (aka Granville)
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Where: McCall Ave, about 1 mile east of Leonard Ave
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What to See: Historic location shown in old maps; nothing stands today, but it once served nearby farming communities
📍 Why This Matters:
These names are remnants of the railroad infrastructure that supported Fresno’s rise as an agricultural powerhouse. They were created by railroad companies like Southern Pacific and the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe to help move grain, lumber, and produce across the state.
Today, they make for a quiet, reflective drive through Fresno’s hidden history—a perfect weekend exploration for history lovers, map nerds, or curious locals.
(Please note: Some locations may be private property. Do not trespass and always respect local boundaries.)
Mysterious Place Names on Google Maps Near Fresno – Explained
