Famoso, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Famoso
|
|
|---|---|
Vintage sign collection in Famoso
|
|
 Famoso
Location in California
Famoso
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Kern County |
| Elevation | 427 ft (130 m) |
Famoso is a small, unincorporated community in Kern County, California. An unincorporated community means it's a place with a shared identity but isn't officially a city or town with its own local government. The name "Famoso" comes from the Spanish word for "Famous" or "celebrated."
Famoso is located near McFarland, about 5.5 miles (8.9 km) away. It sits at an elevation of 427 feet (130 meters) above sea level. This community is important because it's where two major roads meet: State Route 99 and State Route 46. Famoso is well-known for its nut groves and especially for the Auto Club Famoso Raceway, a popular place for racing.
History of Famoso's Name
Famoso has had a few different names over the years. When the Southern Pacific Railroad arrived in the 1870s, the area was first called Poso. This name was given because of Poso Creek, which flows nearby.
However, there was another community named Pozo in San Luis Obispo County. To avoid confusion, officials in Washington decided to change the name. In 1888, a post office opened here and was named Spottiswood.
Later, in 1895, the people living in the community asked for the name to be changed again. They chose "Famoso," which means "famous" in Spanish. The post office kept the name Famoso until it finally closed in 1946.
Where is Famoso Located?
Famoso is in a central location in California. If you travel east on State Route 46 from Famoso, the road becomes Famoso Woody Road. This road leads into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Along the way, you'll pass through the Mount Poso Oil Field.
If you go west on State Route 46, you can reach the city of Paso Robles, California in San Luis Obispo County. The local ZIP Code for Famoso is 93250, and the telephone area code is 661.
Famoso Raceway
One of the most famous things about Famoso is its race track, the Auto Club Famoso Raceway. This track is especially known for drag racing, where two cars race side-by-side over a short, straight distance. The raceway attracts many visitors and racing fans, making it a key part of the community's identity. It hosts various events throughout the year, bringing excitement to the area.
See also
In Spanish: Famoso (California) para niños
