Horton, California facts for kids

Horton was once a small community, or "settlement," located in Inyo County, California. It's no longer there today, which is why it's called a "former" settlement.

What Was Horton?

Horton was a place where people lived and worked, but it was never a very large town. It was more like a small stop or gathering point. Today, you won't find any buildings or people there. It's just a historical spot in the desert.

Where Was Horton Located?

This former settlement was found in Inyo County, California. It was specifically located about 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) east-southeast of a place called Death Valley Junction. This area is part of the Mojave Desert and the Amargosa Desert, which are very dry and often hot regions.

The Railroad Connection

Horton was important because it was a "junction" for two different railroads. A junction is a place where two or more train tracks meet or cross. The two railroads that met at Horton were the Death Valley Railroad and the Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad. These railroads were very important in the past for moving goods and people across the desert. They helped connect remote areas to bigger towns and cities.

How Horton Got Its Name

The name "Horton" was given to this settlement to honor a person named Ben Horton. Ben Horton was an important official who worked for a railroad company. Naming places after important people, especially those involved in the development of an area, was a common practice back then.