Merced Falls, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Merced Falls
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 Merced Falls
Location in California
Merced Falls
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Merced County |
| Elevation | 348 ft (106 m) |
Merced Falls is a small, unincorporated community in Merced County, California. An "unincorporated community" means it's a place with homes and people, but it's not officially a city or town with its own local government. The name "Merced" comes from a Spanish word meaning "Mercy."
This community is located right next to the Merced River. It sits about 6 miles (10 km) east of a town called Snelling. Merced Falls is about 348 feet (106 meters) above sea level.
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What's in a Name?
Merced Falls got its name from the "falls" or rapids in the Merced River. Rapids are parts of a river where the water flows very fast over rocks, creating a lot of foam and noise. These rapids were an important feature of the river in this area.
A Look Back: Early Days
Merced Falls was an important spot during the California Gold Rush. Many people traveled through this area on their way to find gold. The community was founded because it had good places to cross the Merced River.
- River Crossings: There were three main spots to cross the Merced River nearby. These were called Phillips' Ferry, Belt's Ferry, and Young's Ferry. A "ferry" is a boat that carries people and goods across a river.
- Post Office: A post office opened in Merced Falls in 1856. It stayed open for over 100 years, finally closing in 1957.
The Great Flood of 1862
In 1862, a huge flood hit California. It was called the Great Flood of 1862. This flood was so powerful that it washed away Murray's Bridge, which was near Merced Falls. But don't worry, the bridge was rebuilt later on!
Industry and Travel
The fast-moving water of the Merced River's rapids was very useful. In the 1890s, people used the power of the water to run several watermills in the town.
- Sawmills: There were also two sawmills in Merced Falls. These sawmills cut wood for the Yosemite and Sugar Pine Lumber Company. The wood was brought down from the Sierra Nevada mountains by the Yosemite Valley Railroad.
- Tourist Hub: Merced Falls was also a popular stop for tourists. Many people traveling to Yosemite Valley would come through Merced Falls using the railroad. This made the town a busy place in the 1920s.
Changes Over Time
Over the years, things changed for Merced Falls.
- New Railroads: When the Central Pacific Railroad built a new line through the Central Valley, many towns that weren't on this new railroad started to decline. Merced Falls was one of them.
- McSwain Dam: In the 1960s, the McSwain Dam was built across the Merced River. This dam caused the rapids that Merced Falls was named after to be covered by water.
- Today: Now, Merced Falls is surrounded by irrigated farmland. The community itself is very quiet, with most of its original buildings and businesses gone.
