Galivan, California facts for kids
Galivan (Spanish: Gavilán, meaning "Sparrow Hawk") is a special spot in Orange County, California. It's not a big city, but more like a small neighborhood or a specific location. Galivan is known for its history, especially how an old highway once crossed over railroad tracks there.
Contents
What is Galivan?
Galivan is a place in Orange County, California. Most online maps show it as a small area or neighborhood. It's located near the cities of Mission Viejo and Laguna Niguel. You can find its exact spot using coordinates: 33.569, -117.674.
Where is Galivan Located?
Galivan is about two miles north of where Interstate 5 meets California State Route 73. A state highway map from 1960 also showed Galivan about five miles north of Highway 74. No matter which map you look at, Galivan is almost always found where the old U.S. Highway 101 (which is now called Camino Capistrano) used to cross the Santa Fe railroad tracks.
A Look into Galivan's Past
Before the big Interstate 5 was built, the area around Galivan was mostly countryside. A two-lane road was enough for cars to travel through.
The Old Highway and Railroad
The old U.S. Highway 101 was an important road. At Galivan, it needed to cross over the Santa Fe railroad tracks. To do this, a special bridge was built. This bridge was called the "Galivan Overhead." It helped the highway switch from one side of the railroad tracks to the other.
The Missing Bridge
Today, the original "Galivan Overhead" bridge is no longer there. However, parts of the old Highway 101 are still visible in the area. Interestingly, another bridge that looks very similar was designed by the same person. You can find this other bridge in Del Mar, California. It also helped old Highway 101 cross over railroad tracks.
Galivan Today
If you visit the area now, you won't find any signs of an old village. The land around Galivan has changed a lot. It has become very developed with many buildings and homes.
