Crater, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Crater
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Former mine
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 Crater
Location in California
Crater
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Inyo County |
| Elevation | 5,305 ft (1,617 m) |
Crater was a small, undeveloped place in Inyo County, California. It is found in the Last Chance Range, about 19 miles (30 km) northwest of Ubehebe Crater. Crater sits high up, at 5,305 feet (1,617 meters) above sea level.
What Was Crater?
Crater was not a town with many people or buildings. Instead, it was a site where people worked to dig up a mineral called sulfur. Sulfur is a yellow element used in many things, like fertilizers and medicines.
Sulfur Discovery and Mining
Sulfur was first found at Crater in 1917. This discovery led to mining operations. People started digging for sulfur and processing the ore (rock with minerals inside).
Mining and milling (grinding the ore) happened off and on from 1917 until the late 1960s. This means work would stop for a while and then start again.
Location and Ownership
Today, Crater is a piece of private land. It is completely surrounded by Death Valley National Park. This park is famous for its extreme heat and unique desert landscapes.
