Cornwall, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cornwall
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 Cornwall
Location in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Contra Costa County |
| Elevation | 39 ft (12 m) |
| GNIS ID | 253407 |
Cornwall, once known as Cornwall Station, was a small community in Contra Costa County, California. It was a place that didn't have its own official local government. Today, this area is part of the city of Pittsburg. Cornwall was located about 7.25 miles (11.67 km) east-southeast of Baypoint. It was also about 1 mile (1.6 km) south of downtown Pittsburg. The community sat about 39 feet (12 meters) above sea level.
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What Was Cornwall?
Cornwall was a community that grew up without its own city government. Think of it like a small village or neighborhood. It was located in Contra Costa County, California. Over time, it became a part of the larger city of Pittsburg.
How Cornwall Got Its Name
The community was likely named after Pierre Barlow Cornwall. He was an important person in early California history. Pierre Cornwall was also the president of the Black Diamond Coal Mining Company. This company operated in a nearby area called Nortonville, California from 1872 to 1904.
A Hub for Trains
Cornwall grew up at a special spot where two railroads met. One was the Black Diamond Coal Mining Railroad. The other was the San Pablo and Tulare Railroad. This second railroad later became part of the Southern Pacific Railroad system in 1888. The coal railroad actually crossed over the San Pablo and Tulare line using a bridge-like structure called a trestle.
Mail Delivery in Cornwall
For many years, Cornwall had its own post office. A post office named Cornwall Station operated from 1881 to 1888. Later, a post office simply called Cornwall was open from 1890 to 1911.
The Name Change
The area known as Cornwall, along with a nearby town called Black Diamond, was officially renamed "Pittsburg." This change happened on February 11, 1911. This new name might be why the Cornwall Post Office stopped working in the same year.
