Craft, California facts for kids

Craft was once a small community in Kern County, California, located in the southern part of the state. It was about 7 miles (11 kilometers) south of a place called Ricardo, California. Today, Craft is known as a "former settlement" because people no longer live there.

What Was Craft?

Craft was a small settlement that existed for a brief period in the early 1900s. It was located in Kern County, California, which is a large county known for its deserts, mountains, and valleys. The area around Craft is part of the Mojave Desert, a vast and dry region with unique plants and animals.

A Short-Lived Post Office

Even though Craft was a small community, it had its own post office for a short time. The post office at Craft opened in 1909. This meant people living there could send and receive mail directly. However, the post office closed just two years later, in 1911. This short lifespan suggests that the settlement itself was not very large or long-lasting.

What is a Former Settlement?

A former settlement is a place where people once lived and built homes or businesses, but where no one lives anymore. These places are sometimes called "ghost towns" if buildings or ruins are still visible. In other cases, like Craft, there might be very little left to see, perhaps just a historical marker or a memory in old records.

Why Do Settlements Disappear?

Settlements like Craft often disappear for several reasons. Sometimes, they were created because of a specific activity, like mining for gold or silver. When the mines ran out, or the price of the metal dropped, people would leave to find work elsewhere.

Other reasons include:

• Changes in transportation: If a new road or railroad bypassed a town, it could lose its importance.
• Lack of resources: Not enough water, good land, or other things needed for people to live comfortably.
• Economic changes: Industries might move, or jobs might disappear.
• Natural disasters: Floods, fires, or droughts could force people to leave.

Craft's short history, marked by its brief post office operation, suggests it might have been a temporary community. It could have been linked to a specific industry or a short-term boom in the area that eventually faded.