Alton, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alton
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The underside of Highway 101's Van Duzen River Bridge in Alton
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 Alton
Location in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Humboldt County |
| Elevation | 62 ft (19 m) |
Alton is a small community in Humboldt County, California. It's not an official city, but an unincorporated community. Alton is located about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) south-southeast of Fortuna. It sits at an elevation of 62 feet (19 meters) above sea level. You can find Alton along U.S. Route 101 and State Route 36. The local ZIP Code is 95540, and the area code is 707.
History of Alton
How Alton Got Its Name
Alton was first called Hansen. This name honored Mads P. Hansen, who was the community's first postmaster. The Hansen post office opened in 1888. However, its name changed to Alton in 1889. The post office then closed permanently in 1895.
There are different ideas about where the name Alton came from. Some people say it was a changed version of the name Alta Oliver, who was the founder of the town. Another idea is that the community was named in 1862 after the founder's hometown, Alton, Illinois.
Railroads and Growth
Railroads were very important for Alton's early growth. In 1884, the Eel River and Eureka Railroad was built. This railroad helped connect lumber mills and farms in the lower Eel River area to shipping on Humboldt Bay.
In 1885, the Pacific Lumber Company built its own rail line. This line connected their lumber mill in Scotia to the Eel River and Eureka Railroad at Alton. Alta Oliver then planned out the town in 1887, right where these two railroads met.
Later, in 1902, the California Midland Railroad was created. This new line aimed to extend train service from Alton up the Van Duzen River to Carlotta. By 1903, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway combined Alton's railroads into the San Francisco and Northwestern Railway. Finally, in 1914, Alton became connected to the larger national rail network when the Northwestern Pacific Railroad was completed.
See also
In Spanish: Alton (California) para niños
