Borax Springs, California facts for kids
Borax Springs was once a small community in Lake County, California. It was located right by the beautiful Clear Lake, close to a place called Eastlake.
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What Was Borax Springs?
A "settlement" is a place where people live and build homes, often starting small and sometimes growing into towns or cities. Borax Springs was one of these early settlements. It was a place where people gathered, perhaps for work or because of the natural resources found there.
Why the Name "Borax Springs"?
The name "Borax Springs" tells us something important about the area. It was named because of the special mineral called borate (which is used to make borax) found in the natural spring waters there. Before it was called Borax Springs, the settlement had a different name. This older name was changed to "Borax Springs" to reflect the valuable borax found in the area.
What is Borax?
Borax is a natural mineral that looks like white crystals. It's found in dry lakebeds and is very useful! People use borax in many ways, like in cleaning products, to make glass, and even in some types of slime for fun. Its scientific name is sodium tetraborate.
Where Was This Settlement?
Borax Springs was situated in a scenic part of California, right next to Clear Lake. Clear Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake entirely within California. Lake County, where Borax Springs was located, is known for its beautiful landscapes and natural hot springs. The area around Clear Lake has a long history, with many different communities forming and changing over time.
Why Did Borax Springs Disappear?
Many early settlements like Borax Springs no longer exist today. They become "former" settlements for various reasons. Sometimes, the natural resources that attracted people, like borax in this case, might run out or become less valuable. People might move away for better jobs, or new transportation routes might bypass the area. Over time, the buildings might fall apart, and the land returns to nature, leaving only a historical record of where the settlement once stood.
