Bartolo, California facts for kids
Bartolo was an old name for a place in Los Angeles County, California. It was about 223 feet (68 meters) above sea level. You could still find Bartolo on maps as late as 1926.
The name Bartolo came from Rancho Paso de Bartolo. This was a large ranch owned by Pio Pico, who was the Mexican governor of California a long time ago. The ranch itself was named after a river crossing called Paso de Bartolo Viejo, which means "Old Bartolo's Crossing." This crossing was near Beverly Road and the San Gabriel River. The area around Paso de Bartolo is a valley where both the San Gabriel River and the Río Hondo flow.
Bartolo as a Train Stop
Bartolo was an important stop on the Union Pacific Railroad. It was a place where different train lines met. One line went to Whittier, and another was the main train line.
Today, the land where Bartolo once was is part of the cities of Whittier and Pico Rivera. The city of Pico Rivera is actually named after Governor Pio Pico!
A Battle in History
Bartolo was also the site of an important battle during the Mexican–American War. This war took place between the United States and Mexico.
On January 8, 1847, a battle happened at Bartolo Ford. Commodore Robert F. Stockton and General Stephen Watts Kearny led 565 American soldiers. They fought against General José María Flores and his Californios (people of Mexican descent living in California).
The American soldiers marched across the river, which was about knee-deep. They moved in a special formation called a "hollow square." General Kearny's men won the battle against General Florés. This victory was important for the Americans in the war.
See also
In Spanish: Bartolo (California) para niños
