About Atwater, California

Atwater is a small town community on State Route 99 in Merced County, California. It is vibrant community with a long history and incredible stories, the small town of Atwater is home to approximately 30,000 residents. North of the town is Castle Air Force Base the former World War Merced Army Airfield.

The railroad reached Atwater in the 1870s, and a town grew up. The first post office opened in 1880. Atwater incorporated in 1922. The name honors Marshall D. Atwater, a wheat farmer whose land was used by the railroad for its station. Beautiful neighborhoods, extraordinary schools, and rich cultural history make the city an ideal place to call home.

On May 15, 2020, Atwater declared itself a business ‘sanctuary city’ during the coronavirus pandemic.