California, Missouri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
California, Missouri
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California City Hall
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| Nicknames:
The Country Ham Capital of the World, Twin City, Heart of Moniteau County, Cali
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| Motto(s):
"Small enough to know you, large enough to serve you"
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Location in Moniteau County and the state of Missouri
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| Country | United States | |
| State | Missouri | |
| County | Moniteau | |
| Founded | 1834 (as Boonesborough) 1847 (as California) |
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| Incorporated | 1848 | |
| Government | ||
| • Type | Mayor/board of aldermen | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 3.88 sq mi (10.05 km2) | |
| • Land | 3.87 sq mi (10.01 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.01 sq mi (0.04 km2) | |
| Elevation | 896 ft (273 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 4,498 | |
| • Estimate
(2023)
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4,520 | |
| • Density | 1,163.78/sq mi (449.29/km2) | |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) | |
| ZIP codes |
65018, 65042
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| Area code(s) | 573 | |
| FIPS code | 29-10468 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 2393495 | |
California is a city located in Moniteau County, Missouri, in the United States. It is the main city, also known as the county seat, of Moniteau County. In 2020, about 4,498 people lived there. California is the biggest city in Moniteau County. It is also the third largest city in the Jefferson City metropolitan area.
Contents
- History of California, Missouri
- Geography and Climate of California
- Population and People of California
- Education in California, Missouri
- Transportation in California
- Industries and Jobs in California
- Historic Places to Visit in California
- Arts and Culture in California
- Parks and Recreation in California
- Events in California
- Images for kids
- See also
History of California, Missouri
The city of California was started in 1834. It was first called Boonesborough. When Moniteau County was formed in 1845, Boonesborough was chosen as the county seat. However, the county court did not want to pay for land there. So, a new spot was picked about one mile (1.6 km) west. This became the new county seat.
In 1846, the Postal Service asked for a new name for Boonesborough. This was because another town in Missouri was already called Boonesborough. On January 25, 1847, the city was renamed California. This new name was inspired by the California territory on the West Coast. This territory was getting a lot of attention because of the new overland railroad. In the same year, a courthouse was built in the city center.
California officially became a city in 1848. Its first city leaders were elected ten years later, in 1858.
The local newspaper, The Weekly California News, started on September 18, 1858. It is the oldest business in Moniteau County that is still running. Today, it is known as the California Democrat.
By the end of the Civil War, California had about 1,000 people. The city had many stores, a tobacco factory, a large flour mill, a high school, a printing office, and a bank.
In 1867, money was set aside for a new courthouse. This building was finished in 1868 and is still used today.
Geography and Climate of California
California is in the middle of Moniteau County. Missouri Route 87 goes through the city as Oak Street. It leads north 12 miles (19 km) to Jamestown and south 21 miles (34 km) to Eldon. U.S. Route 50 goes around the south side of the city. Its old route, Buchanan Street, goes through the city center. US 50 leads east 23 miles (37 km) to Jefferson City, the state capital. It goes west 37 miles (60 km) to Sedalia.
The city covers about 3.88 square miles (10.05 km²). Only a tiny part, about 0.01 square miles (0.04 km²), is water. California is on a ridge. Water from the city flows south to North Moreau Creek. This creek is part of the Moreau River, which flows into the Missouri River. Water also flows north to East Brush Creek, which joins Moniteau Creek. This creek also flows into the Missouri River.
Weather in California, Missouri
California has a climate with warm summers and cold winters. The hottest month is usually July, and the coldest is January. It gets rain throughout the year, with more in spring and summer. Snowfall is common in winter months.
| Climate data for California, Missouri (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1954–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 78 (26) |
82 (28) |
85 (29) |
92 (33) |
94 (34) |
104 (40) |
109 (43) |
108 (42) |
104 (40) |
96 (36) |
85 (29) |
75 (24) |
109 (43) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 39.8 (4.3) |
45.1 (7.3) |
55.3 (12.9) |
66.0 (18.9) |
74.9 (23.8) |
83.5 (28.6) |
87.8 (31.0) |
87.1 (30.6) |
79.8 (26.6) |
68.2 (20.1) |
54.8 (12.7) |
43.8 (6.6) |
65.5 (18.6) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 29.8 (−1.2) |
34.5 (1.4) |
44.4 (6.9) |
54.8 (12.7) |
64.6 (18.1) |
73.4 (23.0) |
77.6 (25.3) |
76.4 (24.7) |
68.5 (20.3) |
56.7 (13.7) |
44.5 (6.9) |
34.3 (1.3) |
55.0 (12.8) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 19.7 (−6.8) |
23.9 (−4.5) |
33.4 (0.8) |
43.5 (6.4) |
54.3 (12.4) |
63.3 (17.4) |
67.4 (19.7) |
65.7 (18.7) |
57.2 (14.0) |
45.2 (7.3) |
34.2 (1.2) |
24.9 (−3.9) |
44.4 (6.9) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −17 (−27) |
−14 (−26) |
−10 (−23) |
19 (−7) |
30 (−1) |
43 (6) |
48 (9) |
45 (7) |
30 (−1) |
17 (−8) |
−1 (−18) |
−21 (−29) |
−21 (−29) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 2.01 (51) |
2.31 (59) |
2.97 (75) |
4.90 (124) |
4.98 (126) |
4.41 (112) |
4.71 (120) |
3.88 (99) |
4.11 (104) |
3.78 (96) |
3.17 (81) |
1.92 (49) |
43.15 (1,096) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 3.3 (8.4) |
1.8 (4.6) |
0.7 (1.8) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.4 (1.0) |
3.5 (8.9) |
9.7 (25) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 6.6 | 6.5 | 9.1 | 10.5 | 11.6 | 9.0 | 8.0 | 7.4 | 7.0 | 8.6 | 7.3 | 6.5 | 98.1 |
| Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 2.1 | 1.5 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 1.4 | 5.6 |
| Source: NOAA | |||||||||||||
Population and People of California
The population of California has grown steadily over the years. Here's how the number of people living in California has changed:
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 1,427 | — | |
| 1890 | 1,772 | 24.2% | |
| 1900 | 2,181 | 23.1% | |
| 1910 | 2,154 | −1.2% | |
| 1920 | 2,218 | 3.0% | |
| 1930 | 2,384 | 7.5% | |
| 1940 | 2,525 | 5.9% | |
| 1950 | 2,627 | 4.0% | |
| 1960 | 2,788 | 6.1% | |
| 1970 | 3,105 | 11.4% | |
| 1980 | 3,381 | 8.9% | |
| 1990 | 3,465 | 2.5% | |
| 2000 | 4,005 | 15.6% | |
| 2010 | 4,278 | 6.8% | |
| 2020 | 4,498 | 5.1% | |
| 2024 (est.) | 4,520 | 5.7% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
What is the population like in California?
In 2010, there were 4,278 people living in California. These people lived in 1,727 homes, with 1,096 of them being families. The city had about 1,277 people per square mile (493 per km²).
Most of the people in California were White (91.3%). Other groups included African American (0.8%), Native American (0.3%), and Asian (0.5%). About 10.4% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
About 33.8% of homes had children under 18. Many homes (46.0%) were married couples. About 13.0% had a female head of household without a husband. About 32.0% of all homes had only one person living there. About 15.9% of homes had someone 65 or older living alone.
The average age in the city was 36.6 years old. About 26.3% of people were under 18. About 17.6% were 65 or older. The city had slightly more females (53.2%) than males (46.8%).
Education in California, Missouri
The California R-1 School District runs three schools in California. These schools serve 1,357 students.
- California Elementary School: This school is at 101 South Owen Street. It teaches 586 students from Kindergarten to fifth grade.
- California Middle School: This school is at 211 South Owen Street. It teaches 298 students in sixth through eighth grades.
- California High School: This school is at 1501 West Buchanan Street. It teaches 472 students from ninth through twelfth grades.
The California R-1 School District is special because swimming is part of the school day for students from kindergarten to fifth grade. It is also part of physical education for middle and high school students. This has been happening since the school built an indoor olympic-size swimming pool in 1976. In 2007, the city of California took over the pool. The school still uses it for students during the school year.
Aurora Montessori School teaches pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students.
The Diocese of Jefferson City used to have a Catholic school called Annunciation School. It was destroyed by a fire in 1982.
There are seven colleges or universities within 45 miles (72 km) of California.
Transportation in California
Roads for Travel
California is served by two main roads: U.S. Route 50 and Missouri Route 87. These roads help people travel in and out of the city.
Railroad Connections
The Missouri River Runner Amtrak train service passes through California. However, it does not stop in the city. The closest train station to the east is in Jefferson City. To the west, the next station is in Sedalia.
Industries and Jobs in California
California has many different industries. About 40% of the jobs in town are in manufacturing. This means making things in factories.
Some of the businesses in California include:
- Burgers' Smokehouse: This company prepares and ships hams, turkeys, and other special meats all over the world.
- Honeysuckle White: This is a part of Cargill Inc.. They produce poultry, like chicken and turkey.
- Tana Wire Marker: This company makes bright balls that are put on electrical wires. These balls warn aircraft that wires are there.
- Arkansas Valley Feather: This business processes and sells feather products.
- Racker's Manufacturing: They work with steel.
- Mo-Wood: They make cabinets and other wood products.
- California Manufacturing: They make coats and jackets.
Historic Places to Visit in California
California has several interesting historic places that show its past.
Cultural Heritage Center
The Cultural Heritage Center is at 201 North High Street in downtown California. It used to be the old post office. Today, it is home to the Moniteau County Historical Society. It also has a museum, an information center, a gift shop, and a library for family history research.
Eitzen Mansion
The Eitzen Mansion was built in 1898 by Charles A. Eitzen. This large house has 19 rooms and 9 fireplaces. It still has its original slate roof. The building where carriages were kept and the stable are also still on the property. The mansion takes up a whole city block. The Eitzen family owned the home until 1952. After that, it was used as a nursing home, a restaurant, and a bed and breakfast. Through all these changes, the original fireplaces, wood details, and main staircase stayed the same. Today, it is a private home.
Finke Opera House/Ritz Theatre
The Finke Opera House/Ritz Theatre is at 312 North High Street in downtown California. It was built in 1885. A famous architect from St. Louis, Jerome Bibb "J.B." Legg, designed the building. He also designed many courthouses, opera houses, theaters, churches, and schools in Missouri. He even updated the Missouri State Capitol in 1887. In 2004, the theater was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This was because of its importance in entertainment and fun in the area.
This two-story brick building was the only opera house and theater in California. It was the main place for entertainment in the community. From 1885 to 1897, it was called the California Opera House. Then, from 1897 to 1922, it was the Finke Opera House. During this time, it hosted stage shows, plays, and musical performances. Famous people like Blind Boone (a piano player) and Cole Younger (who lectured there) visited. From 1922 to 1937, it was the Finke Theater, showing vaudeville and movies. In 1937, it was updated to an Art Deco style and became the Ritz Theatre until 1978. Since 2009, it has been known as the Finke Theater again.
The opera house/theater was recently fixed up by California Progress, Inc. This was done to save this important historical building.
Gray-Wood Buildings
The Gray-Wood Buildings are at 401-407 North High Street in downtown California. They were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. This was because of their special design. Built in 1869, they are a group of four storefronts. They are made of brick with a stone base and a flat roof. Each building has unique details, like decorative metal columns.
Moniteau County Courthouse
The Moniteau County Courthouse was built in 1867. It is one of the oldest courthouses in Missouri. Its front looks like the old State Capitol building from 1840. The courthouse square has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1970. The first floor of the courthouse has several museum displays.
Rice House
The Rice House was built in 1867 by Niles Rice. This Victorian style house has 12-foot (3.7 m) high ceilings. It also has six-foot (1.8 m) wide hallways and 36 tall, narrow windows. Like the Eitzen Mansion, the Rice House is now a private home.
Wood Place Public Library
The Wood Place Public Library is in the historic Ehrhardt Building. This building was built in 1864 and used to be a store called J. G. Ehrhardt Mercantile Company. California Progress, Inc. bought the building in 1995 and fixed it up. The library moved into the building in August 1998.
Old Barnhill Building
The Old Barnhill Building was built in 1892. It is a two-story, Italianate style building made of red brick. It has a flat roof and decorative cast iron details. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Old California City Hall and Fire Station
The Old California City Hall and Fire Station was built in 1982. It is a two-story, Italianate style red brick building. It used to be the city hall and fire station. It has decorative brickwork, arched windows and doors, and a fancy cast iron balcony. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Arts and Culture in California
Loran Creech, a well-known watercolor artist, lives in California. His historic home in California is also his art gallery, and visitors are welcome. Creech's artwork has been shown in galleries all over the U.S.
The Finke Theatre hosts many performances throughout the year.
The Cultural Heritage Center has murals on its walls that show the history of the area. California also has a Community Band that plays at different events.
There is an art studio in downtown California that offers art classes. The California Parks and Recreation Department also has an art camp in the summer.
Parks and Recreation in California
The city of California has four parks, a sports complex, and an indoor swimming pool. The city took over the swimming pool from the California R-1 Public School District in 2007.
- Proctor Park: This is the biggest park in California. It has a lake for fishing, walking trails, tennis courts, a disc golf course, a sand volleyball court, shelters, and playgrounds.
- City Park: This is the oldest park in California. It has basketball and tennis courts, and a playground.
- Railroad Park: This park is north of City Hall, next to the Union Pacific Railroad. It is where the old railroad station used to be. The open-air shelter looks like the old station.
- Smith-Burke Park: This park is west of City Hall. It is where the old Union Pacific Railroad Hotel once stood.
- California Sports Complex: This complex has four lighted baseball/softball fields, a soccer field, and a sand volleyball court.
- California Municipal Pool: This is an indoor olympic-size swimming pool with an outdoor splash deck.
California also has a nine-hole golf course called Double X Speedway. It hosts races from May to September. The California Shooter's Club has shotgun and archery ranges.
The city has a strong recreation program for children all year long. California also has an airport for recreational flying, a 10-lane bowling alley, a roller rink, a dance studio, and some gyms.
Events in California
Moniteau County Fair
In 2011, the Moniteau County Fair celebrated its 145th anniversary. The Fair started in 1866. It is thought to be the oldest fair west of the Mississippi River that has run continuously. Events at the fair include a tractor pull, demolition derby, Tuff Truck competition, and a rodeo. There are also horse shows, a battle of the bands, and queen and baby contests. This yearly event happens during the first full week of August at the Moniteau County Fairgrounds.
Ozark Ham & Turkey Festival
The Ozark Ham & Turkey Festival happens every year on the third Saturday in September. This one-day festival shows off two of the main industries in California and Moniteau County. It has activities all over town and is said to have "something for everyone."
Cinco de Mayo Festival
A Cinco de Mayo Festival is held in downtown California on the first Saturday of May. It features food, crafts, entertainment, and more. This festival celebrates California's large Hispanic population.
Farmer's Market
A Farmer's Market is held every Friday afternoon and evening. It runs from April to October near Smith-Burke Park.
California Balloon Invitational
The California Balloon Invitational is a hot air balloon race. It takes place in California on the third Saturday of July. About 20 hot air balloons take part in a "hare-and-hounds" race.
Christmas California Style
Christmas California Style is held on the first Friday and Saturday of December. Events include open houses at businesses and a lighted Christmas parade.
Images for kids
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A robot for kids, representing Kiddle.
See also
In Spanish: California (Misuri) para niños
