Bontes, California facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bontes
Former settlement
Bontes Location in California
Country	United States
State	California
County	Plumas County
Elevation	4,390 ft (1,338 m)

Bontes was once a small community in Plumas County, California. It's now known as a 'former settlement,' meaning people no longer live there. This interesting spot was located high up in the mountains, about 4,390 feet (1,338 meters) above sea level. It was also found near the start of Bonta Creek. Bontes even appeared on maps as late as 1897!

What Was Bontes?

Bontes is a place that used to be a settlement, but isn't anymore. Think of it like a "ghost town" or a place where people once lived and worked, but then moved away. These kinds of places often have fascinating stories about why they were started and why they eventually became empty.

Where Was Bontes Located?

Bontes was situated in Plumas County, which is in the northeastern part of California. It was quite high up, at an elevation of 4,390 feet (or 1,338 meters). This means it was in a mountainous area. The settlement was also close to where Bonta Creek begins, which suggests it might have been near a water source important for its early residents.

Why Do Settlements Become "Former"?

Many settlements, like Bontes, become "former" or "ghost towns" for different reasons. Often, they were built around a specific industry, like mining or logging. When that industry slowed down or ended, people would move away to find work elsewhere.

The Gold Rush and California Settlements

California has many former settlements, especially from the time of the California Gold Rush. During the Gold Rush (which started in 1848), many small towns popped up quickly wherever gold was found. People rushed to these areas hoping to strike it rich. However, once the gold ran out, or it became too hard to find, these towns would often be abandoned just as quickly as they appeared. Bontes was still on maps in 1897, which means it existed during or after the main Gold Rush period.