Knoxville, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Knoxville
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 Knoxville
Location in California
Knoxville
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  California |
| County | Napa County |
| Elevation | 1,322 ft (403 m) |
Knoxville is a small, unincorporated community located in Napa County, California. An "unincorporated community" means it's a place with people living there, but it's not officially a city or town with its own local government. It sits at an elevation of 1,322 feet (403 meters) above sea level. Knoxville is about 23 miles (37 km) north-northeast of Saint Helena.
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Discovering Knoxville's History
Knoxville has a fascinating past, especially linked to mining and its early days as a small settlement.
Mining for Mercury
In the 1860s and 1870s, Knoxville was a busy place for mining. People came here to dig for mercury. Mercury is a unique metal that is liquid at room temperature. It was very important back then.
The mining activity slowed down in the late 1800s. However, it picked up again during the World Wars. This was because mercury was needed to make "detonating devices." These are parts used to set off explosives.
What Was Here Before?
Long ago, Knoxville had a school, a post office, and a mill. A mill is a building where raw materials are processed, like grinding grain. But by 1979, most of these buildings were gone. Only an old, unused store remained.
The Story of the Post Office
Knoxville even had its own post office for a while. It first opened in 1863. The post office moved a couple of times, in 1904 and 1907. But it finally closed for good in 1912. The community was named after Ranar B. Knox. He owned a local mine and was the very first postmaster there.
Fun Today: Off-Road Adventures
Today, the Knoxville area is a popular spot for outdoor fun. It's known for off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation. This means people come here to ride dirt bikes, ATVs, and other vehicles on special trails. There are dozens of miles of old mining trails that are now used for these exciting adventures.
