Cottonwood Creek (Kern County) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cottonwood Creek |
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Region | Tehachapi Mountains |
| District | Kern County |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | source near a spring on the east slope of the Tehachapi Mountains 2 miles northwest of the Libre Twins peak., Kern County 5,520 ft (1,680 m) 34°58′38″N 118°36′05″W / 34.97722°N 118.60139°W |
| River mouth | mouth in the Antelope Valley, Kern County 2,726 ft (831 m) 34°51′48″N 118°24′37″W / 34.86333°N 118.41028°W |
Cottonwood Creek is a small waterway, also known as a stream, located in Kern County, California. It starts high up in the mountains, specifically on the eastern side of the Tehachapi Mountains. The water begins near a spring, about two miles northwest of a peak called Libre Twins. From there, the creek flows east and then southeast. It eventually reaches the Antelope Valley, which is part of the western Mojave Desert.
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History of Cottonwood Creek
Cottonwood Creek played an important role in early California history. A road used by Spanish and later Mexican travelers once crossed the Antelope Valley. This road started near Elizabeth Lake and followed Cottonwood Creek.
The Old Tejon Pass Route
The road followed the creek up into the Tehachapi Mountains. It crossed the mountains at a place called Puerto el Tejon, also known as Tejon Pass. After crossing the pass, the road continued down along Tejon Creek into the San Joaquin Valley.
Rancho El Tejon
In 1843, a large ranch called Rancho El Tejon was set up along and south of Cottonwood Creek. This shows how important the area was for settlement and travel.
Gold Rush and New Roads
During the Gold Rush in 1849, many people, including miners and travelers, used this route. They followed Cottonwood Creek to reach the gold fields. However, in 1854, a new and easier route was found. This new path, known as the Grapevine route, became the main Stockton - Los Angeles Road. Because of this, the old Tejon Pass route along Cottonwood Creek was used less and less. Eventually, traffic shifted to the route through Fort Tejon Pass.
