Gabilan, California facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gabilan
Former settlement
Gabilan Location in California
Country	United States
State	California
County	Monterey County
Elevation	112 ft (34 m)

Gabilan was once a small place, or "settlement," located in Monterey County, California. It was found in the beautiful foothills of the Gabilan Range, not too far from the town of Gonzales. This spot was about 112 feet (34 meters) above sea level.

What Was Gabilan?

Gabilan was a former community that existed along the Southern Pacific Railroad. It was located about 4 miles (6.4 km) northwest of Gonzales. Today, Gabilan is no longer an active settlement, but its history remains.

The Meaning Behind the Name

The name Gabilan comes from the Spanish word Gavilán. This word means "sparrow hawk." It's an older way of spelling the word. If you visit the area, you might see many hawks flying around, especially the red-tailed hawk. This makes the name very fitting for the place!

Gabilan's Post Office History

For a time, Gabilan had its own post office. It first opened in 1869 and operated until 1883. Later, it reopened in 1898 but closed again just two years later, in 1900. Having a post office was important because it meant people could send and receive mail, connecting them to other places.