Camphora, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Camphora
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Country | United States |
State | California |
County | Monterey County |
Elevation | 171 ft (52 m) |
Camphora (once known as Camp Four) is a small, unincorporated community in Monterey County, California. It's located right next to U.S. Route 101 and the Southern Pacific Railroad line. Camphora is about 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of Soledad. It sits at an elevation of 171 feet (52 meters) above sea level.
An "unincorporated community" is a place that doesn't have its own local government, like a city or town. Instead, it's usually governed by the county.
The Story of Camphora
How Camphora Got Its Name
Camphora started way back in 1873. It began as a camp for workers building the railroad. People called it "Camp Four" because it was the fourth camp in that area.
Many of the workers were from Mexico. They pronounced "Camp Four" in a way that sounded like "camphora." The railroad company liked this new sound. So, they officially named the place Camphora.
Where is Camphora Located?
Camphora is found in the beautiful Salinas Valley of California. It's an important spot because it's right on a major highway, U.S. Route 101. This highway connects many parts of California. The railroad also runs through Camphora, which was very important for transportation a long time ago.