Waterford

The first modern record (1850’s) of permanent residents in Waterford, other than the Native Americans that long frequented the area, were the homesteading and farming activities of William Wilkerson Baker. The main economic activities were agriculture and fishing as well as commerce with the nearby gold mining communities. Reflecting the area’s river fording characteristics, the name of Waterford was eventually chosen. The City was a leader in early irrigation and farming practices. Other than government (primarily schools), agriculture and recreation are today's main economic drivers in the City. Commerce is developing. Bordered by the Tuolumne River and being a gateway to the area’s lakes, Yosemite National Park and other natural amenities, Waterford is being discovered as a place with a high quality of life that has a lot to offer. This premise has been verified by recent quality developments underway in Waterford. The future looks bright.