At the beginning of the 20th century, Modesto became Stanislaus County s cultural and economic center. From the construction of ornate residences to the addition of prominent businesses and landmarks, the village founded in 1870 by the Central Pacific Railroad grew into a busy inland city. No less than four major hotels located downtown. The intent to build the nation s first municipal airport was incorporated into the city s revised 1910 charter, and the town s iconic arch was added to the landscape in 1912. Modesto left behind its Wild West roots to become a thriving center of commerce in the San Joaquin Valley.