Fish Rock, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fish Rock
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 Fish Rock
Location in California
Fish Rock
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Mendocino County |
| Elevation | 171 ft (52 m) |
Fish Rock was a small, historical community in Mendocino County, California. It was once known as Fishrock and Conways Landing. This community was located near the coast, about 4 miles (6.4 km) northwest of a town called Gualala. Fish Rock sat at an elevation of 171 feet (52 meters) above sea level.
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What Was Fish Rock?
Fish Rock was an unincorporated community. This means it was a settlement that did not have its own local government. Instead, it was governed by the county, which in this case was Mendocino County. Many small towns in the past started this way.
A Busy Port for Lumber
Fish Rock played an important role in the logging industry. It was a place where cut timber, or lumber, was loaded onto ships. The community had a special "lumber chute." This was a ramp or slide used to move large pieces of wood from the land directly onto waiting ships.
Loading Ships Called Schooners
The ships that carried the lumber from Fish Rock were called schooners. These were large sailing vessels with two or more masts. They were perfect for transporting heavy cargo like timber along the coast. By 1938, much of the town was empty, as the lumber industry changed.
The Post Office Story
Even though it was a small community, Fish Rock had its own post office. A post office is a place where mail is sent and received.
- The post office first opened in 1870. At that time, it was called Conways Landing.
- In 1871, its name changed to Fish Rock.
- It closed in 1873 but reopened in 1885.
- The post office moved to a new spot in 1908.
- Finally, it closed for good in 1910.
Fish Rock in Movies
Fish Rock is also known for being a filming location! The beach at Fish Rock was used to shoot scenes for the movie Island of the Blue Dolphins. This film, released in 1964, is based on the famous book by Scott O'Dell. The story is about a Native American girl who is left alone on an island off the coast of California.
