Hanford, CA Travel, Photos Information and News

History plays a large part in today's Hanford. Historic buildings artfully preserved help create a beautiful vacation for those who seek to connect with the past.

For many years Hanford had the only opera house between the Los Angeles and San Francisco areas. In 1923, construction began on an assembly hall. This hall, known as the Civic Auditorium, was dedicated in 1924. It still stands today in downtown Hanford. The main auditorium is utilized extensively by community groups and organizations. County of Kings decided to move out of their existing offices located in the county courthouse in the center of downtown, to a location a mile away. As a part of this move, they decided to abandon the old county courthouse and the building was to be razed. Community funds were gathered and the Downtown has retained its old-fashion charm, a focal point for visits.

In 1980, in order to encourage the restoration and rehabilitation of historic structures, the city council, in cooperation with private community groups, established a Historic District. As a result of the many activities in downtown Hanford, the restoration and rehabilitation program, and the cooperation between private citizens and city officials, the City of Hanford, in 1985, entered and won a competition by the League of California Cities based upon the revitalization of downtown Hanford. Hanford's efforts were also recognized in 1986 by American City and County magazine, which chose Hanford as one of ten cities in the United States to receive its prestigious Award of Merit. One of the country's Prettiest Painted Places in America, Hanford is a delight to visit, though many don't know anything about this quaint city till they stop and explore.

Attractions and Things to See:

The Hanford Carnegie Museum built in 1905 as a Carnegie library was transformed into the museum in 1974. The building is of Romanesque architecture with furniture and photos describing the history of the Hanford area.

Kings Fairgrounds hosts the Kings County Fair.

The Kings Art Center was opened in 1989 as an art gallery and art training center for Kings County. Gallery shows are changed approximately every four weeks.

Kings Symphony Orchestra founded in 1963 features performances with a variety of classical and pops.

The Renaissance of Kings Cultural Arts Faire the first weekend of October at Courthouse Square in Hanford's city center recreates the period during King Henry VIII of England.