Colfax, California facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Colfax, California
City
Seal Logo
Location of Colfax in Placer County, California.
Colfax, California Location in the United States
Country	United States
State	California
County	Placer
Incorporated	February 23, 1910
Named for	Schuyler Colfax
Area
• Total	1.41 sq mi (3.64 km2)
• Land	1.41 sq mi (3.64 km2)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)  0%
Elevation	2,425 ft (739 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	1,995
• Density	1,418.92/sq mi (547.85/km2)
Time zone	UTC−8 (Pacific)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−7 (PDT)
ZIP Code	95713
Area code(s)	530
FIPS code	06-14498
GNIS feature ID	1655912

Colfax is a small city in Placer County, California. It's located where two major roads, Interstate 80 and State Route 174, meet. In 2020, about 1,995 people lived here.

The city is named after Schuyler Colfax, who was a U.S. Vice President. You can even see a bronze statue of him in town! Colfax has a cool, old Southern Pacific Railroad train station from 1905. This building now holds the Colfax Museum and the Chamber of Commerce. You can also explore the shops on Main Street and find Colfax High School, which serves many students from the area.

Discovering Colfax's Past

Colfax has a rich history! Long ago, the Maidu and Miwok Native American tribes lived here. In the mid-1800s, the area was called Alder Grove. As more people arrived, it became known as Illinoistown. This was a busy place for gold miners to get their supplies. In 1852, a famous stagecoach robbery happened nearby, where $7,000 in gold was stolen! This was one of the first stagecoach robberies in the California gold country.

How Colfax Got Its Name

Later, the town was renamed Colfax. This happened after Schuyler Colfax, who was then a powerful leader in the U.S. House of Representatives, visited in 1865. He was checking on the progress of the Central Pacific Railroad. This railroad was the western part of the very first first transcontinental railroad that connected the east and west coasts of the United States.

Colfax was also the starting point for the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad from 1876 until 1942. An old highway, U.S. Route 40, also passed through the city, just like the modern Interstate 80 does today. Did you know Colfax is even mentioned in Jules Verne’s famous book, Around the World in Eighty Days?

Recent Events Shaping Colfax

Colfax has faced some challenges, like many communities. In July 2015, the Lowell Fire burned thousands of acres nearby, causing people to leave their homes for safety. In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to many local businesses closing temporarily.

More recently, in August 2021, the River Fire started close by. This fire forced thousands of residents to evacuate. Luckily, it was contained after nine days. The city's acting mayor, Trinity Burruss, helped lead the community during this emergency. In December 2021, heavy snowstorms caused power outages for many homes. The mayor again played a key role in getting help and supplies to residents who were left without heat.

Exploring Colfax's Location and Nature

Colfax is located at 39°5′50″N 120°57′14″W / 39.09722°N 120.95389°W / 39.09722; -120.95389. It covers about 1.4 square miles (3.6 square kilometers) of land. The ground beneath Colfax is made of strong rocks like granite. A small creek called Bunch Creek flows through the area, eventually joining the North Fork of the American River.

Colfax is just a few miles outside the Tahoe National Forest. This means it's close to beautiful nature but also in an area that can be at high risk for wildfires.

Colfax's Climate and Weather

Colfax has a climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. This is known as a hot-summer Mediterranean climate. In July and August, temperatures can easily reach 90°F (32°C) or higher, with lots of sunshine. Winters are cooler, with December temperatures around 46°F (8°C). Because of its elevation, Colfax sometimes gets snow in the winter!

Colfax's Population and Community

In 2020, Colfax had a population of 1,995 people. Most residents are White, but the community is also home to people of various backgrounds, including Native American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino individuals.

The city has a mix of families with children, couples, and single adults. About 25% of the population is under 18 years old, making it a place with many young people. The average age in Colfax is about 37.9 years. Many people own their homes, while others rent.

Getting Around Colfax: Transportation

Colfax is a hub for travel! The national passenger rail system, Amtrak, has a station right in the heart of town at 99 Railroad Street.

Train Travel from Colfax

You can catch the westbound California Zephyr train from Colfax. It travels to cities like Roseville, Sacramento, and San Francisco. The eastbound California Zephyr takes you to places like Truckee, Reno, Salt Lake City, and even all the way to Chicago! Near the station, you'll find the bronze statue of Schuyler Colfax, the city's namesake.

Bus Connections in Colfax

If you prefer buses, Amtrak Thruway provides a daily bus connection from the Colfax Depot. You can travel west to Sacramento Valley Station or east to South Lake Tahoe, with stops along the way. Placer County Transit also offers weekday bus service from the Colfax Depot to Downtown Sacramento, making it easier for people to commute.

Images for kids

• 

  East portal of Tunnel 34, Colfax, on the historic Central Pacific Railroad.

• 

  A statue of the town's namesake U.S. Vice President Schuyler Colfax stands near the railroad station in historic downtown Colfax.

• 

  The historic Stevens Trail's trailhead is in Colfax

See also

In Spanish: Colfax (California) para niños