Junction, Mendocino County, California facts for kids
Junction, also known as Glenblair Junction, was once a small place where people lived in Mendocino County, California. It is no longer a settlement today.
This spot was important because it was located on a railroad line. It was about 3.25 miles (5.2 km) southwest of another place called Glenblair.
What Was Junction?
Junction was not a big town. It was a "former settlement," which means it was once a place where people lived or worked, but it isn't anymore. Many small settlements like Junction grew up around important transportation routes, such as railroads.
The Railroad Connection
The name "Junction" tells us a lot about this place. A "junction" is where two or more things meet or cross. In this case, it was where a special rail line, called a spur line, connected to the main railroad track. This spur line led directly to Glenblair.
- Main Line: This was the primary railroad track used for longer journeys.
- Spur Line: This was a shorter track that branched off the main line. It was often used to reach specific places like mines, logging camps, or small towns that weren't directly on the main route.
The spur line allowed trains to carry goods or people to and from Glenblair without having to build a whole new main track. This made transportation easier and helped connect Glenblair to the wider world through the railroad network.
Why Did Settlements Like Junction Exist?
Many small settlements in California, especially during the late 1800s and early 1900s, grew because of industries like logging, mining, or farming. Railroads were key to these industries, helping to move raw materials and finished products.
- Logging: Mendocino County was known for its vast forests. Timber was a major industry.
- Railroads: Trains were essential for moving logs and lumber from the forests to sawmills or ports.
Junction likely served as a point where railroad workers lived, or where goods were transferred between the main line and the spur line. When the need for the spur line or the local industry faded, settlements like Junction often became deserted.
