Garden Valley, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Garden Valley
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 Garden Valley
Location in California
Garden Valley
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | El Dorado County |
| Elevation | 1,949 ft (594 m) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 2,391 |
Garden Valley is a small community in El Dorado County, California. It's known as an unincorporated community, which means it's not officially a city or town, but it's still a place where people live and work. Garden Valley is located about 6.25 miles (10 km) north-northwest of Chili Bar. It sits at an elevation of 1,949 feet (594 meters) above sea level.
Contents
History of Garden Valley
Garden Valley has a rich history, especially linked to the California Gold Rush. It was once called Johntown. This name honored a sailor who first discovered gold in the area.
Early Days and Gold Discovery
The community has had a post office for many years. It first opened in 1852. Over time, the post office moved and closed a few times. But it has been open continuously since 1896.
The first community hall in Garden Valley was built in 1856. It was built by a group called the Sons of Temperance. Later, new halls were built in the 1870s and again in 1933.
Connection to James Marshall
James W. Marshall was a very important person in California history. He discovered gold at Sutter's Mill in 1848. This discovery started the famous California Gold Rush. James Marshall was a frequent visitor to Garden Valley. His visits show how important this area was during the gold rush era.
Environment and Air Quality
Like many places in the foothills of El Dorado County, Garden Valley is in an area where the soil naturally contains asbestos. Asbestos is a type of mineral. When it's disturbed, it can create dust.
To help control this dust, roads in Garden Valley were paved in 1986. This was an effort to keep the air cleaner. In 1999, the state issued a warning about air quality in the area. This was to make people aware of the natural asbestos in the soil.
Education
Students in Garden Valley are served by the Black Oak Mine Unified School District. This district provides schooling for children living in the community.
