Garza Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Garza Creek |
|
|---|---|
| Native name | El Arroyo de las Garzas |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Region | Kings County |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | source on the north slope of Zwang Peak of the Diablo Range., Kings County, California 3,081 ft (939 m) 35°56′53″N 120°15′01″W / 35.94806°N 120.25028°W |
| River mouth | mouth terminates in the Kettleman Plain, 1.6 miles south of Kettleman Station., Kings County, California 778 ft (237 m) 36°01′37″N 120°11′08″W / 36.02694°N 120.18556°W |
Garza Creek is a small stream located in Kings County, California. Its original name was El Arroyo de las Garzas, which means "The Creek of the Herons" in Spanish. This creek starts on the northern side of Zwang Peak, which is part of the Diablo Range.
It flows towards the east-northeast, passing through the Kreyenhagen Hills. Garza Creek ends in the Kettleman Plain, about 3.6 miles west-northwest of Avenal in the San Joaquin Valley.
History of Garza Creek
Garza Creek, known as Arroyo de las Garzas long ago, was an important stop for travelers. It served as a watering place along a historic route called the El Camino Viejo. This old road went through the San Joaquin Valley. The creek was located between two other spots, Arroyo de Las Canoas and Alamo Solo Spring, in what is now Kings County.
Dave Kettelman's Story
This creek is also connected to a man named Dave Kettelman. He was one of the "49ers" who came to California during the Gold Rush. After seeking gold, he went back to the Missouri River. Later, he returned to California with a herd of cattle.
Dave Kettelman used the lands around Garza Creek for his ranch. He pastured his cattle in the Kettleman Plain and the Kettleman Hills, which are west of Tulare Lake.
His name became very well known in the area. Many places were later named after him. These include Kettleman Station, Kettleman City, and the Kettleman North Dome Oil Field.
