Goumaz, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Goumaz
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Former settlement
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 Goumaz
Location in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Lassen County |
| Elevation | 5,203 ft (1,586 m) |
Goumaz (also spelled Goumez) was once a busy train station and small community in Lassen County, California. Today, it's a peaceful campground where people can enjoy nature.
Goumaz is located about 10.5 miles (17 kilometers) northeast of Westwood. It sits high up at 5,203 feet (1,586 meters) above sea level.
Contents
What's in a Name?
Goumaz was probably named after Philip J. Goumaz. He was an early settler who came to California and Lassen County in the 1860s. Many places get their names from important people who lived there long ago.
A Stop on the Railway
The train line that passed through Goumaz was called the Fernley and Lassen Railway. Workers built this railway between 1912 and 1914.
Goumaz Station's Purpose
The Goumaz station was finished in 1913. It was mainly used as a "water stop" for trains. This meant trains could stop there to refill their water tanks, which was important for steam engines.
Life at the Station
In July 1917, a train car was used as a home for railroad workers living at Goumaz. By the next summer, there were seven buildings owned by the railroad on the site.
Two more small houses were added in 1923. A fence was also put up around the main "section house." This was because young families with children were now living there.
End of an Era
The buildings at Goumaz were taken down in 1957. This happened after the railroad stopped using local "section forces." These were groups of workers who maintained small parts of the railway line.
From Railway to Rail Trail
The Fernley and Lassen Railway stopped operating in 1978. The part of the railway where Goumaz station was located is now a walking and biking path.
This path is called the Bizz Johnson rail trail. Today, the Goumaz campground is found there, inside the beautiful Lassen National Forest. It's a great example of how old railway lines can be used for new purposes!
