Atchison, California facts for kids

Atchison was a small place in Contra Costa County, California, that had a post office for a short time in the early 1900s. It was important because of its connection to a major railroad that helped connect the country.

What Was Atchison?

Atchison wasn't a big city, but rather a small settlement that had its own post office. In the early 1900s, post offices were often the center of small communities, not just places to send mail. The Atchison post office was open from 1903 to 1911.

Where Was Atchison Located?

This small community was located in Contra Costa County, California. It was about 1 mile (or 1.6 kilometers) southeast of the Richmond post office. Richmond later grew into a much larger city.

How Did Atchison Get Its Name?

Atchison got its name from a very important company: the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad. This railroad was a huge transportation network that helped move people and goods across the United States. The railroad had its "western terminus" (which means the very end of its line) at a place called Point Richmond. Because of this important connection, the small post office and settlement were named Atchison.