Visalia [key], city (1990 pop. 75,636), seat of Tulare co., S central Calif., in the San Joaquin Valley (see under San Joaquin); founded 1852, inc. 1874. Its economy is centered around agriculture (cotton, grapes, olives, citrus, and nursery products) and livestock (cattle, hogs, and poultry). Electronics, metal and paper products, and transportation equipment are among the city's manufactures. Visalia has been marked by rapid growth along with the central California area; its population nearly tripled in the late 20th cent. Nearby are various recreational areas, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks (see National Parks and Monuments, tablenational parks and monuments, table) lie to the east.
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