Welcome to Raymond

Raymond’s early days were spent as a tent city. The harsh winter of 1885 and1886 had floods threatened the River and it’s surrounding areas. The owner of the Yosemite Stafe and Turnpike Co. and the Wawona Hotel in Yosemite, A.H. Washburn, negotiated with the Southern Pacific Railroad to construct a new rail line to Yosemite National Park and the Wawona Hotel. The new route, once completed in 1886, by-passed Coarsegold and Fresno Flats. Travelers to Wawona passed through Ahwahnee, Raymond, and Fish Camp. The Railroad stop was named after I. W. Raymond. The town of Raymond quickly became so busy that one night the local inn ran out of beef so they dished up wildcat. Hence the nickname of "Wildcat Station".

The Southern Pacific Railroad discontinued their route through Raymond upon completion of Highway 140 in 1926 after 19 years. Portions of the old rail bed are still visible along the Merced River on Highway 140.

Today, Raymond is known for its large ranches, 40 acre home sites and the Raymond Granite Company. Raymond granite is used throughout the country. The granite from Raymond was used in 1906 to help rebuild San Francisco after the earthquake and fires. Raymond granite has also been used in buildings located in Los Angeles, Sacramento, Dallas and Salt Lake City.