The history of Modesto is one based largely on agriculture and transportation. In fact, modern Modesto still reflects its rich food industry past in many ways, although it is known more as a bedroom community than anything else. Let's take a look at some of the highlights of the city's history for those with an interest in the creation of their Modesto zip code.

Modesto first came into existence as a planned stop for the railroad which connected Sacramento to Los Angeles. As residents looking to fill the needs of the rail company began to move into the area, they saw that the valley through which the San Joaquin river ran as having great potential for agricultural purposes.

This supposition proved correct, as throughout the 19th century Modesto was known as a major wheat producing region. Grain was floated downriver on hundreds of huge barges every single year.

The creation of the Modesto water company would herald a huge boom in the economy and population of the city. With the irrigation supplied by the company, the region was transformed into a fertile crescent, one of the richest in the United States. Today, it is well known for its fruit, nut, and dairy production.

Also among the early agricultural pioneers of the Modesto town were the Gallo brothers. Gallo Wineries is today the biggest in the world, producing tons of wines each year with the help of modern devices such as pneumatic conveying machines and hydraulic presses. It is known as a company which revolutionizes the wine industry each year.

However, this incredibly important company grew out of total ignorance on the part of its founders. Both Gallo brothers were very up front about the fact they knew nothing at all about commercial wine when they first started, and had to rely on information they found in pamphlets at the local library! It is hard to believe that today Gallo turns out wines praised from Munich to Mississauga. Wedding photographers choose the site as an ideal location for high end clients, and the nearby Gallo glassworks continues to pioneer the art of wine storage.

World War II and its industrial boom saw several steel working businesses start up in the city. These works produce several steel based goods, worked into being with a corner notcher, vise, and other such metal working tools.

Today's modern economy has seen an overhaul of the appearance of the city of Modesto. Expansion of California's freeways has meant that many people working in cities to the north and south look for more affordable housing in the outlying areas. They choose to purchase modern Modesto homes with an instantaneous water heater and other cutting edge innovations for half the price, or less, of what they could find in the big cities.

Without doubt, the history of Modesto is a rich one. Shaped by the combine and the strapping machine, today the city is typical of the southern California town.