Aguanga, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Aguanga
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 Aguanga
Location in California
Aguanga
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Riverside |
| Area | |
| • Total | 13.60 sq mi (35.22 km2) |
| • Land | 13.60 sq mi (35.22 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) 0% |
| Elevation | 1,955 ft (596 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 989 |
| • Density | 72.73/sq mi (28.08/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP codes |
92536
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| Area code(s) | 951 |
| FIPS code | 06-00464 |
| GNIS feature IDs | 269448; 2582929 |
Aguanga is a small community in Riverside County, California. It's located in an area called the Inland Empire. The name "Aguanga" comes from the Luiseño people and means "dog place." This community is about 18 miles (29 km) east of Temecula and 22 miles (35 km) south of Hemet. Aguanga sits at an elevation of about 1,955 feet (596 meters) above sea level. In 2020, about 989 people lived there.
Contents
Discover the History of Aguanga
Early Beginnings and the Butterfield Mail
The name Aguanga comes from an old Native American village called awáanga. This name means 'dog place' in the Luiseño language. In 1858, the Butterfield Overland Mail set up a station near here. This was an important stop for mail coaches traveling across the country.
The station was first called Tejungo Station. It was located between Temecula Station and Oak Grove Stage Station. Soon, people started calling it Aguanga Station, after the nearby Luiseño village.
Changes During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, the station was known as Giftaler’s Ranch. This was named after its owner, Joseph Giftaler. In 1863, the Union Army even used the ranch as a camp for troops heading to Arizona Territory.
A New Owner and Post Office
In 1864, Jacob Bergman bought Giftaler's Ranch. He was a stagecoach driver and a veteran of the Union Army. Bergman ran the ranch for many years. After the Civil War, he continued to run a stage station there.
From 1870 to 1871, Bergman also ran the Guahonga post office. Later, the post office moved to Oak Grove. In 1894, a new post office opened and was named Bergman. Its name was changed to Aguanga in 1901.
Aguanga's Historic Sites Today
Today, you can still find the old station site. It is on the Twin Creek Stage Stop Ranch. You can see the ruins of the old wooden station building. There is also a small, fenced-in cemetery for the Bergman family. A marker for Jacob Bergman is also there. These sites help us remember Aguanga's interesting past.
Exploring Aguanga's Geography
Where is Aguanga Located?
Aguanga covers an area of about 13.6 square miles (35.2 square kilometers). All of this area is land. The community is found where State Route 79 and State Route 371 meet. This spot is along the historic Butterfield Overland Mail stage route.
Elevation and Nearby Features
Aguanga is about 1,940 feet (591 meters) above sea level. It is located north of the Cleveland National Forest. The famous Palomar Observatory is about 5.9 miles (9.5 km) south of Aguanga. The observatory sits much higher, about 3,500 feet (1,067 meters) above the community.
Local Schools and Nearby Cities
Aguanga is home to Cottonwood Elementary School. This school serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the Hemet Valley Unified School District. The largest city nearby is Temecula. Temecula is about 17 miles (27 km) west of Aguanga.
Geographic Details
Aguanga is in a canyon next to Temecula Creek. It is also close to Pechanga tribal lands and the San Diego County line. The area uses area code 951. Its ZIP Code, 92536, is shared with Holcomb Village in San Diego County.
Climate and Local Products
Aguanga has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate. This type of climate is great for growing olive trees. Because of this, the Temecula Olive Oil Company is based in Aguanga.
Understanding Aguanga's Population
Who Lives in Aguanga?
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2010 | 1,128 | — | |
| 2020 | 989 | −12.3% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
The 2010 United States Census counted 1,128 people living in Aguanga. By 2020, the population was 989. Most people in Aguanga live in family homes.
Age Groups and Diversity
The population includes people of all ages. About 15.3% of the residents are under 18 years old. About 30.1% are 65 years or older. The average age in Aguanga is about 53.4 years. The community is made up of people from various backgrounds.
Homes and Living
In 2010, there were 470 households in Aguanga. Most homes, about 81.1%, were owned by the people living in them. The rest were rented. The average household had about 2.40 people. The median household income in Aguanga was $49,618 in 2010.
See also
In Spanish: Aguanga para niños
