Andrews, California facts for kids

Andrews was once a small community in Fresno County, California. It was located along the railroad tracks that connected the cities of Fresno and Figarden. Figarden used to be known as Bullard. Andrews was about 4 miles (6.4 km) southeast of Figarden. Today, the area where Andrews once stood is part of the larger city of Fresno.

What is a Former Settlement?

A former settlement is a place where people used to live and work, but it is no longer an active community. Sometimes, these places are called "ghost towns" if everyone has left. In other cases, like Andrews, the area might become part of a bigger city nearby. This happens as cities grow and expand.

Why Do Settlements Become Former?

There are many reasons why a settlement might no longer exist as a separate community:

• Growth of nearby cities: As larger cities expand, they can absorb smaller communities around them. This means the smaller place becomes a neighborhood or district of the bigger city.
• Changes in transportation: Settlements often grew up around important travel routes, like railroads or old highways. If these routes change or become less important, the settlement might decline.
• Economic changes: If the main reason people lived in a settlement (like a mine or a factory) closes down, people might move away to find work elsewhere.
• Natural events: Sometimes, floods, fires, or other natural disasters can force people to leave a settlement.

Andrews and the Railroad

Andrews was located right on a railroad line. In the past, railroads were super important for travel and moving goods. Many small towns and settlements grew up along these lines. They served as stops for trains or places where goods could be loaded and unloaded. The railroad likely played a big role in why Andrews was settled in the first place. As transportation methods changed and Fresno grew, Andrews became less of a separate community.

Fresno County's History

Fresno County, where Andrews was located, has a rich history. It is in the heart of California's Central Valley. This valley is famous for its farming. Many small communities like Andrews popped up across the county as people settled the land. They often supported farming or other local industries. Over time, some of these smaller places grew into cities, while others, like Andrews, became part of larger urban areas.