Bear Valley, Nevada County, California facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bear Valley
Former settlement
Bear Valley Location in California
Country	United States
State	California
County	Nevada County
Elevation	4,570 ft (1,393 m)

Bear Valley was once a small community located in Nevada County, California. It's known as a 'former settlement' because people no longer live there permanently. This place sits high up, about 1,393 meters (4,570 feet) above sea level. Even though it's not a town anymore, Bear Valley could still be found on maps as late as 1902.

What is a Former Settlement?

A former settlement is a place where people used to live, but for some reason, they moved away. This means it's no longer an active town or village. Sometimes, these places are called ghost towns if they are completely empty.

Why Do Settlements Become "Former"?

There are many reasons why a community might become a former settlement. For example, a town might have grown because of a gold rush or a mine. Once the gold ran out or the mine closed, people would leave to find work elsewhere. Changes in transportation, like new roads or railways, could also make old routes less important, causing towns along them to shrink.

Bear Valley's History

Bear Valley was located in Nevada County, which is in the central part of California. This area is known for its history during the California Gold Rush. Many small towns popped up quickly during that time. While we don't have all the details about Bear Valley, its disappearance from maps after 1902 suggests that its purpose or resources might have changed, leading residents to move on.

Where is Bear Valley Located?

Bear Valley is found in the beautiful state of California, specifically in Nevada County. It's quite high up in the mountains, sitting at an elevation of about 1,393 meters (4,570 feet) above sea level. This high elevation means it would have had cooler temperatures and possibly snowy winters.