Belfast, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Belfast
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 Belfast
Location in California
Belfast
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Lassen County |
| Elevation | 4,134 ft (1,260 m) |
Belfast is a small, undeveloped area in Lassen County, California. It's known as an "unincorporated area," which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it's managed by the county.
Belfast is located about 5.5 miles (8.9 km) northwest of Litchfield. It sits at an elevation of 4,134 feet (1,260 meters) above sea level.
Contents
Exploring Belfast's History
Belfast has an interesting past, even though it's a quiet place today. It was once hoped to become a bustling community.
How Belfast Was Founded
The area of Belfast was first settled in 1880. It was founded by a man named Captain Charles A. Merrill. He had big plans for this new settlement.
The Story Behind the Name
Captain Merrill named this California spot "Belfast" after his own hometown. His hometown was Belfast, Maine. That city, in turn, got its name from the famous city of Belfast in Northern Ireland. So, the name has traveled quite a distance!
Railroad Dreams and Farming Efforts
When Belfast was founded, people expected a railroad to be built right through it. This would have helped the community grow and connect with other places. However, the railroad never came to Belfast.
Even without the railroad, Captain Merrill worked hard to help the area. He built an irrigation flume. This was a special channel designed to bring water to farms. In 1922, the land around Belfast was divided into smaller plots. The goal was to create a new farming community. Today, you can still find a few farms in the area.
Ancient Discoveries in Belfast
The land around Belfast holds secrets from thousands of years ago. It's an important place for understanding ancient peoples.
Willow Creek Canyon: An Archaeological Site
The Willow Creek Canyon, located near Belfast, is a significant archaeological site. This means it's a place where scientists study human history through digging up artifacts and structures.
Clues from the Past
At this site, researchers have found ancient rock structures. They have also discovered petroglyphs. Petroglyphs are images carved or drawn into rock. These findings suggest that the area was a major hunting ground for native peoples long ago. The rock features found at the Belfast Site are believed to be about 3,000 years old. They offer a glimpse into the lives of people who lived there centuries ago.
