Coffeepot, Arizona facts for kids

Coffeepot is a small, named location found in Gila County, Arizona, in the United States. It's known as a "populated place," which means it's an area with people living in it, even if it's not a big city or town. The name "Coffeepot" was officially recorded by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) between 1976 and 1980. It was then added to the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) on February 8, 1980, making its name official.

What is Coffeepot?

Coffeepot is a specific spot on the map in Arizona. It is not a city or a town with its own government. Instead, it is a recognized place where people live. Think of it as a small community or a landmark that has a name. The name "Coffeepot" might come from a local feature, a story, or something that looked like a coffeepot in the area. Many small places in the United States get their names this way.

Where is Coffeepot Located?

Coffeepot is located in the central part of Arizona. It sits within Gila County. Arizona is a large state in the southwestern United States. It is famous for its deserts, canyons, and warm weather. Gila County is known for its beautiful mountains and natural areas. It has a mix of small towns and wide-open spaces.

Exploring Gila County, Arizona

Gila County is a large area in Arizona. It is home to many natural wonders. These include parts of the Tonto National Forest. The county has a rich history, with many old mining towns and Native American sites. People who live in Gila County often enjoy outdoor activities. These can include hiking, fishing, and exploring nature. Coffeepot is just one of many unique places found within this interesting county.

How Do Places Get Their Names?

Have you ever wondered how towns, mountains, or rivers get their names? For official places like Coffeepot, names are often recorded by government agencies. This helps everyone know where places are. It also helps with mapping and navigation. The process makes sure that every place has a clear and unique identifier.

The Role of the USGS and GNIS

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is a science agency. It studies the Earth, its natural resources, and natural hazards. One of its jobs is to map the United States. As part of this, the USGS collects names for all sorts of geographic features. This includes places like Coffeepot.

The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) is a database. It holds all the official names of places in the United States. When the USGS collected the name "Coffeepot," they added it to the GNIS. This system helps keep track of millions of names. It makes sure that maps and records are accurate. It also helps avoid confusion when different places might have similar names.

What Does "Populated Place" Mean?

The term "populated place" is used by the USGS. It means an area that has people living in it. It is different from a city or town, which usually have their own local governments. A populated place might be a small group of homes. It could also be a rural area with scattered houses. It simply means that people call that specific location home.

Understanding "Unincorporated Communities"

Coffeepot is also an "unincorporated community." This means it does not have its own city government. It does not have a mayor or a city council. Instead, it is governed by the larger county government. In this case, Gila County provides services to Coffeepot. These services might include roads, law enforcement, and other public utilities. Many small communities across the United States are unincorporated.