Central Camp, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Central Camp
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Country | United States |
State | California |
County | Madera County |
Elevation | 5,417 ft (1,651 m) |
Central Camp is a small place in Madera County, California. It's called an "unincorporated community" because it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. It's about 3 miles (5 km) west of Shuteye Peak. This area is high up in the mountains, about 5,417 feet (1,651 meters) above sea level.
History of Central Camp
Central Camp was created by the Sugar Pine Lumber Company. It became the best and most expensive logging camp in the Sierra Nevada mountains. About 500 people lived there. This included lumberjacks who worked with wood, and their families. Other staff members also lived and worked in the camp.
The camp was hidden among tall trees. It had modern buildings that were built to handle tough winter weather. When it officially opened in 1923, a newspaper called the Fresno Republican praised how modern it was.
The company spent a lot of money, about $600,000, to build Central Camp. This was a huge amount for a place that was only meant to be temporary. The camp had its own power plant that made electricity from water. It also had a central heating system to keep everyone warm. The kitchen was well-staffed and served fresh food. This food was brought in by special refrigerator cars.
Central Camp also had fun places for people to relax. There was a theater where they could watch shows. A recreation hall offered games and activities. There was even a boxing ring for sports and entertainment.