Baxter, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Baxter
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 Baxter
Location in California
Baxter
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  California |
| County | Placer |
| Elevation | 3,891 ft (1,186 m) |
Baxter is a small, unincorporated community in Placer County, California. It is located about 3 miles (5 kilometers) east of a place called Dutch Flat. Baxter sits high up, at an elevation of 3,891 feet (1,186 meters) above sea level.
Contents
Discovering Baxter: A Historic California Stop
Baxter has a interesting history as a place where travelers could rest. It was once a very important stop along a famous highway.
Baxter's Beginnings: A Traveler's Rest Stop
Baxter started out as an important stop for people traveling by car. It was located right on the Lincoln Highway, which was one of the first roads to cross the entire United States. Later, this road became known as US 40.
Travelers passing through Baxter could find everything they needed. There were places to get food and lodging, meaning they could eat and sleep. You could also fill up your car with gasoline there. Baxter continued to be a helpful service stop for many years, even into the 1980s.
A Key Point for Winter Travel
Baxter was also a very important spot during the winter. When heavy snow fell, especially over Donner Pass, the highway (US 40) would often close. Baxter was the exact point where the road would be closed to traffic. This made it a key location for managing travel during snowy conditions.
A Community's Change
Sadly, the main part of Baxter was affected by a wildfire in 1998. This event changed the community significantly.
The Baxter Post Office
A post office was opened in Baxter in the year 1935. This allowed residents to send and receive mail right in their own community.
