Hovley, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hovley
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 Hovley
Location in California
Hovley
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Imperial County |
| Elevation | -138 ft (-42 m) |
Hovley is a small, quiet place in Imperial County, California. It is known as an unincorporated community. This means it is a settlement that does not have its own local government. Instead, it is managed by the larger county government, which is Imperial County.
Hovley is located near the tracks of the old Southern Pacific Railroad. It is about 8.5 miles (13.7 km) south of a town called Calipatria. One very interesting fact about Hovley is its elevation: it sits 138 feet (42 meters) below sea level! This makes it one of the lowest places in the United States.
Contents
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community like Hovley is a group of homes or buildings that are not part of an official city or town. They do not have their own mayor or city council. Instead, the county government takes care of services like roads, police, and fire protection. Many small communities across the United States are unincorporated.
Location and Geography
Hovley is found in the Imperial Valley, a unique desert region in southeastern California. This valley is famous for its very hot summers and mild winters. The land is mostly flat, which is perfect for farming.
Below Sea Level
The fact that Hovley is below sea level is quite special. This area is part of a large basin. Over thousands of years, water from the Colorado River used to flow into this basin. It created a huge lake called Lake Cahuilla. When the river changed course, the lake dried up, leaving behind a very low-lying area.
Nearby Features
Hovley is close to Salton Sea, California's largest lake. The Salton Sea is also below sea level. It is an important stop for many birds during their long migrations. The area around Hovley is mostly desert, but with irrigation, it has become a very productive farming region.
History and the Railroad
The Southern Pacific Railroad played a big role in the history of many communities in California. Railroads were essential for moving people and goods across the country. They helped new towns grow, especially in places like the Imperial Valley. Hovley's location near the railroad tracks suggests it might have been a stop or a small settlement that grew up around the railway's operations.
Imperial County's Development
Imperial County itself was formed in 1907. Its development was closely tied to bringing water from the Colorado River to the desert. This water transformed the dry land into rich farmland. The railroad helped transport the crops grown in the valley to markets far away.
Life in Hovley
Life in an unincorporated community like Hovley is often quiet and peaceful. Residents rely on nearby towns like Calipatria for schools, shops, and other services. The community is part of a larger agricultural area. This means many people in the region work in farming or related industries.
Agriculture in Imperial Valley
The Imperial Valley is one of the most productive farming regions in California. Farmers grow many different crops, including lettuce, carrots, onions, and alfalfa. The warm climate and fertile soil, thanks to irrigation, make it possible to grow crops almost all year round.
Conclusion
Hovley is a small but interesting unincorporated community in Imperial County, California. Its location below sea level and its connection to the historic Southern Pacific Railroad make it a unique part of the Imperial Valley. It represents many small communities that contribute to the rich agricultural heritage of California.
