Chester, Merced County, California facts for kids
Chester (also known as Dickinson) was once a small community in Merced County, California. It was located about 17 kilometers (or 10.5 miles) southwest of the city of Merced.
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What Was Chester?
Chester was a "settlement," which means it was a place where people lived and formed a small community. Many settlements like Chester grew up in California during the late 1800s. These places were often small towns or villages.
Where Was Chester Located?
Chester was found in Merced County, which is in the central part of California. It was not far from the city of Merced. Being southwest of Merced means it was towards the bottom-left direction if you were looking at a map.
The Post Office: A Sign of Life
A post office is a very important building for any community. It allows people to send and receive letters and packages. Chester had its own post office. It was open for a few years, from 1880 to 1886. The presence of a post office usually means there were enough people living there to need one. When a post office closes, it often means the community has shrunk or moved away.
Why Do Settlements Disappear?
Many small settlements like Chester no longer exist today. There are several reasons why this can happen. Sometimes, people move away for better jobs or opportunities elsewhere. Changes in transportation, like new roads or railroads, might bypass a town. If a local industry, like mining or farming, stops, people might leave. Chester is now considered a "former settlement" because it is no longer an active community.
