In 1872, the old Central Pacific Railroad, forerunner of the Southern Pacific, constructed a north-south line through the San Joaquin Valley that opened the valley to commerce and settlement. A switch was built a short distance to the southeast for loading cattle from the vast ranches of State Senator Thomas Fowler and others, and it became known as Fowler's Switch. In 1882, a town and post office were established, and the name was shortened to Fowler. The construction of the railroad and the switch led to what became the City of Fowler.