Kelsey, California facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kelsey
Unincorporated community
Kelsey Location in California Show map of California Kelsey Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Country	United States
State	California
County	El Dorado County
Elevation	1,923 ft (586 m)

Kelsey (once known as Kelsey's Diggings) is a small, unincorporated community in El Dorado County, California. An "unincorporated community" means it's a recognized place but doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. It is located about 2 miles (3.2 km) north of Chili Bar. Kelsey sits at an elevation of 1,923 feet (586 meters) above sea level.

Exploring Kelsey's Past

The California Gold Rush Connection

Kelsey played an important role in the famous California gold rush. In 1848, a man named Benjamin Kelsey made an exciting discovery: he found gold right in this area! Benjamin Kelsey had arrived in California in 1841. His discovery helped start the massive search for gold that brought many people to California. The community was later named Kelsey in his honor.

A Bustling Early Settlement

After gold was found, Kelsey quickly grew into a busy place. The first homes were built in 1849, making it one of the earliest settlements during the Gold Rush. Imagine a town filled with miners and adventurers! At its busiest, Kelsey was a lively community. It had many stores where people could buy supplies, several hotels for travelers, and even barber shops. There were also many places for people to gather and relax after a long day of work. For a time, a simple court was set up to help keep order in the growing town.

Connecting the Community with a Post Office

A post office was very important for connecting Kelsey to the rest of the world. The first post office in Kelsey opened in 1856. It served the community for many years, though its location moved a few times. It operated until 1872, then reopened from 1875 to 1903, and again starting in 1920.

Education in Early Kelsey

Education was also a priority for the people of Kelsey. A schoolhouse was built in 1858, providing a place for children to learn. This original school building was rebuilt in 1903. It continued to serve students for a long time, finally closing its doors in 1984.

Education Today

Students living in the Kelsey area are part of the Black Oak Mine Unified School District. This school district provides education for children in Kelsey and other nearby communities.

Kelsey's Climate

Kelsey experiences a type of weather known as a hot-summer Mediterranean climate. This means that the summers are typically warm and dry. The winters, on the other hand, are usually mild and wet. This climate is similar to what you might find in some parts of the Mediterranean Sea region.