Fort Romie, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fort Romie
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 Fort Romie
Location in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Monterey County |
| Elevation | 187 ft (57 m) |
Fort Romie, often called just Romie, is a small place in Monterey County, California. It's an unincorporated community, which means it's not an official city or town with its own local government. You can find it in the Salinas Valley, about 187 feet (57 meters) above sea level.
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History of Fort Romie
Fort Romie has a special history. It was one of only three places in America created by the Salvation Army as a colony. The Salvation Army is a Christian organization known for helping people in need.
How Fort Romie Got Its Name
The name "Romie" comes from Charles Romie. He was a landowner who sold his land to the Salvation Army. This land was originally part of a large area called Rancho Ex-Mission Soledad. The Salvation Army bought it to start their special community.
The Salvation Army's Big Idea
The main goal of the Salvation Army was to help poor families. Many families lived in crowded cities and struggled to find work. The Salvation Army wanted to move these families back to nature. They believed that living on a farm would make their lives better.
They looked for families who already knew a little about farming. Each family received about 10 acres of land. They also got a house. Families with two children had a two-room house. Those with three or more children received a four-room house.
Life in the Colony
The Salvation Army provided everything the settlers needed to start. This included seeds for planting, sheds, tools, and farming equipment. Families did not have to pay for these things upfront.
Instead, they agreed to make yearly payments of $100. After 10 years of payments, the families would own their land. This system helped people become independent landowners.
Early Post Office
Fort Romie even had its own post office for a short time. It operated from 1898 to 1900. This shows that it was an active community during those years.
