Joshua Cowell

Government

Known as the "Father of Manteca" Cowell arrived in the area in 1863.

He's credited with the development ol Manteca as a town which started from his decision to locate his farm at the corner of what is now Yosemite Avenue and Main Street. At one time, Cowell owned 1,000 acres of what is now central Manteca and rented another 1,000. He was chosen as Manteca’s first mayor when the city incorporated in 1918 even though he did not seek office.

He was the builder of many of Manteca’s first buildings including the Cowell Building on the northeast corner of Yosemite and Main that presently houses Cal Travel.