Hamlet, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hamlet
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 Hamlet
Location in California
Hamlet
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Marin County |
| Elevation | 23 ft (7 m) |
Hamlet (also called Telmat) is a small, special place in Marin County, California. It is known as an "unincorporated community." This means it's a small area that does not have its own local government. It is located on the northeast shore of Tomales Bay. Hamlet is about 3 miles (5 km) south of Tomales. It sits at an elevation of 23 feet (7 meters) above sea level.
Contents
A Glimpse into Hamlet's Past
Hamlet has a long history, starting with its name. A post office was open in Hamlet from 1876 to 1886. Later, another post office called Telmat operated there from 1917 to 1931.
How Hamlet Got Its Name
The land where Hamlet is today was first bought in 1862 by Edwin Moore. He later sold it to Samuel Nowlin. In 1870, the land was sold again to John Hamlet. He was a dairyman, meaning he worked with dairy cows. John Hamlet was originally from Tennessee. After he bought the land, the area became known as Hamlet.
The Arrival of the Railroad
Soon after John Hamlet bought the land, big changes came to the area. In 1874, the North Pacific Coast Railroad was built right to Hamlet. This railroad helped connect Hamlet to other places. It made it easier for people and goods to travel.
From Farms to Oysters
When Hamlet first started, its main activities were dairying and potato farming. Farmers raised cows for milk and grew potatoes. But soon, another important activity began: oyster farming. This became a major part of the local economy.
In 1917, facilities opened in Hamlet to pack oysters and herring. These facilities helped prepare seafood for sale. Oyster farming continued to be a very important business for many years.
Changes Over Time
However, the oyster industry faced a challenge in 1982. Heavy storms hit the area, causing a lot of mud and silt to cover the oyster beds. This made it hard for the oysters to grow. Because of this, oyster farming became less common.
Since then, tourism has become the main industry in Hamlet. People visit the area to enjoy the beautiful Tomales Bay and its surroundings.
