Gem, California facts for kids
Gem was once a small community located in Monterey County, California. It was a place that existed for a short time in the late 1800s.
What Was Gem?
Gem was a former settlement, which means it was a place where people lived and worked, but it no longer exists as an active community today. Many small settlements like Gem popped up in California during the 1800s, often around a specific industry or a post office.
Where Was Gem Located?
This old settlement was found about 3 miles (or 5 kilometers) east of a town called Bryson. Both Bryson and the area where Gem used to be are located in Monterey County, California. This county is known for its beautiful coastline and rich history.
Why Was It Called Gem?
The name "Gem" was chosen to honor the wife of the local postmaster. A postmaster is the person in charge of a post office. It was common for places to be named after important people or features in the area during that time.
When Did Gem Exist?
We know that Gem had a post office that was open for a few years. The Gem post office operated from 1894 until 1899. The closing of the post office often meant that the community was shrinking or that people were moving away. This is why Gem is now considered a "former settlement."
