Modesto Arch

The Modesto Arch is a composite structure spanning I Street that marks the gateway to the downtown core. It rises to about 25 feet (7.6 meters) at its center and features approximately 668 lights that illuminate the piece after dark.

The structure was built in 1912 as a welcoming gateway for city visitors and was funded through public support. The motto displayed came from a community competition held the previous year that drew widespread participation from residents.

The structure displays the phrase 'Water, Wealth, Contentment, Health' - a motto chosen through a public contest that reflects the city's core values. It has become a central gathering place for local events and serves as a meaningful landmark where residents and visitors meet.

The structure sits at the corner of 9th and I Street where it is easy to reach and immediately visible. The location provides good orientation for anyone exploring downtown, as the arch serves as a clear directional marker.

The winning motto was credited to Sam Harbaugh, who received only a small payment for the idea, while another more playful suggestion never made it past the initial stages. The rejected entry 'Nobody's Got Modesto's Goat' reveals the humorous spirit of that era and the community's wit.