Asphalto, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Asphalto
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Former settlement
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 Asphalto
Location in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Kern County |
| Elevation | 932 ft (284 m) |
Asphalto is the old name for a place in Kern County, California. It was also known as La Brea. This spot was located near a railroad, about 3 miles (5 km) northeast of McKittrick. It sits at an elevation of 932 feet (284 meters) above sea level. Asphalto could still be found on maps as late as 1932.
What's in a Name?
The name Asphalto comes from the natural asphalt deposits found in the area. Asphalt is a sticky, black, tar-like substance that occurs naturally in some places. It's the same material used to pave roads!
A Historic Watering Spot
Asphalto was originally known as the Aguaje de La Brea. This means "Watering Place of the Tar" in Spanish. It was an important watering hole along El Camino Viejo, which was an old, historic trail. Travelers and animals would stop here to drink water.
Fossils and Ancient Life
The natural asphalt deposits at Asphalto are special because they contain fossils. These fossils are similar to those found in other famous places nearby, like the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles. Over thousands of years, animals would get stuck in the sticky asphalt, and their bones would be preserved. Scientists can study these fossils to learn about ancient animals and plants that lived in California long ago.
Post Office History
Asphalto even had its own post office for a short time. It operated from 1893 to 1894. Then, it reopened from 1898 to 1900. After that, the mail service for the area was moved to McKittrick.
