La Grange lies on the east side of Stanislaus County near the Sierra foothills, about 30 miles due east of Modesto, the county seat. Founded as a mining community during the Gold Rush, La Grange remained small as development followed the railroads into the center of the valley. Although located in Stanislaus County, La Grange is often considered part of the shopping, tourism, and service area of Mariposa or Tuolumne counties.