Leon, California facts for kids
Leon is a fascinating ghost town located in southern California. It was once a busy place, especially during the exciting time of the 1880s. Leon was a gold mining town, meaning people came here hoping to find valuable gold!
What Was Leon?
Leon was named after the "Leon Mine," a gold mine found on a nearby hill. This town was a hub for miners and their families. It was first located in San Diego County, California. However, in 1893, the county lines changed. Leon then became part of southwestern Riverside County.
A Town Built on Gold
In the 1880s, many people dreamed of striking it rich by finding gold. Towns like Leon popped up quickly wherever gold was discovered. These towns often grew fast but could also disappear just as quickly once the gold ran out or became harder to find. Leon was one of these towns that thrived for a while because of its mine.
Where Was Leon Located?
Today, Leon is no longer a living town. It's a ghost town, meaning its buildings are gone or in ruins, and no one lives there anymore. You can find the former site of Leon south of a town called Winchester. It's in an area known as the Domenigoni Valley. If you were looking for it on a map, it's near Scott Road, just east of Leon Road.
The Post Office Story
Even though it was a small mining town, Leon had its own post office. This was a big deal because it meant the town was important enough to have its own mail service. The post office opened on May 4, 1888. It served the community for many years. However, on July 31, 1911, the post office was moved. It went to a nearby town called Perris, California. This move often signaled that Leon was becoming less active and its population was shrinking.
