Oakhurst (formerly Fresno Flats)[4] is a census-designated place (CDP) in Madera County, California, United States, 14 miles (23 km) south of the entrance to Yosemite National Park, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.

However, the enactment of the Act for the Government and Protection of Indians in 1850 led to the displacement of many Native Americans, catalyzing the Mariposa War, the first battle of which was fought near present-day Oakhurst.

To the south, there are roads leading to the San Joaquin Valley, and to the east, paths extend to Crane Flat and the High Sierra.

Historically, this strategic positioning made Oakhurst an important meeting location for Native American tribes across Central California.

This act facilitated the removal and displacement of Native Californian Indians from their traditional lands, and led to the Mariposa War, the first battle of which was fought near present-day Oakhurst on January 11, 1851.

Unlike most nearby towns along what is now the Golden Chain Highway., Fresno Flats was not founded due to the discovery of precious metals in the nineteenth century.

Fresno Flats grew into a key station on this road to Wawona, boasting hotels, stores, a blacksmith, a skating rink, a dancehall, a schoolhouse, and saloons by 1884.

[17] Oakhurst's decline started with the mining industry collapse, the end of stagecoach travel to Yosemite, and the 1931 closure of the Madera Sugar Pine Company.

The All-Year Highway, opened in 1926, rerouted Yosemite bound auto traffic via California State Route 140 through Merced, further reducing visitor numbers and economic activity in Oakhurst.

[19] Over 1.2 million people annually enter Yosemite National Park through its south gate, predominantly passing through Oakhurst on Highway 41.

This season sees the highest traffic on Highway 41, full hotel occupancy, and a peak in jobs serving visitors, including lodging, dining, retail, and transportation services.

Socio-economic developments included a substantial rise in median household income from $27,679 to $73,333, alongside high rates of educational attainment and technological adoption.

Despite these socio-economic improvements, challenges in poverty rates and health insurance coverage persist, reflecting ongoing issues within the community.

[25] This shift has contributed to increased competition and rising rental prices for residents, prompting discussions about potential regulations to balance tourism benefits with the community's housing needs.

The top fundraiser is named Honorary Mayor, a tradition that has supported local charities by raising significant amounts over the years.

[35] The State Center Community College District Board of Trustees approved plans to relocate the Oakhurst campus to a new 30-acre site along Highway 49.

[39] Built from sugar pine lumber from the local mills, it was the first house of worship in Fresno Flats and met the needs of all denominations for over 50 years.

Many original pioneer structures are on display at the Fresno Flats Historical Village and Park including the 1869 Taylor Log House, where Boot Taylor, one of the first Sierra National Forest rangers was raised, the two-story Laramore-Layman House, built in the 1870s, the Raymond Jail built in 1890, and several single-room schoolhouses.

[41] Sierra Mountaineer Days, an annual festival established in 1964, became a significant event, drawing over 10,000 visitors each year at its peak.

[43] In the late 1990s, the festival experienced a revival and was renamed Mountain Heritage Day, now held at Fresno Flats Historic Village.