Kelvin, Arizona facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kelvin, Arizona
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 Kelvin, Arizona
Location in Arizona
Kelvin, Arizona
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| County | Pinal |
| Elevation | 1,831 ft (558 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| Area code(s) | 520 |
| GNIS feature ID | 24477 |
Kelvin is a small, unincorporated community in Pinal County, Arizona. An unincorporated community is a place that doesn't have its own local government. It's located near the Gila River, about 24.6 miles (39.6 km) east-northeast of Florence.
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A Look Back at Kelvin
How Kelvin Started
Kelvin began on the north side of the Gila River. Across the river, on the south side, was a place called the Riverside Stage Stop. This was a busy spot where people traveling by stagecoach would stop. The community of Kelvin was named in 1900. It got its name from Kelvin Grove in Scotland.
The Railroad and Ray Junction
Later, a railroad company built a new area called Ray Junction. This was just north of the Kelvin Bridge. Ray Junction became important because of the development of Ray, Arizona, and its large Ray mine. The railroad line branched off here, heading up to the mine. Even though Ray Junction grew, the original town site and its post office kept the name Kelvin.
What Remains Today
These small communities – Kelvin, Riverside, and Ray Junction – are all very close to each other. They are within about two miles of each other. You can still see many old foundations from Kelvin's original town site. There are also visible ruins of a huge mill. The adobe post office, though partly standing, shows what was once there. These ruins help us imagine what life was like in Kelvin long ago.
Historic Bridges Nearby
Two important bridges are located close to Kelvin. These are the Kelvin Bridge and the Mineral Creek Bridge. Both of these bridges are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are recognized as special historical sites that are worth preserving.
