Merrimac, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Merrimac
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 Merrimac
Location in California
Merrimac
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Butte County |
| Elevation | 3,999 ft (1,219 m) |
Merrimac was once a small, undeveloped place in Butte County, California. It's called an "unincorporated community" because it didn't have its own local government like a city or town. Merrimac is located along the Oroville-Quincy Road. It sits high up, about 3,999 feet (1,219 meters) above sea level.
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A Look at Merrimac's Past
Merrimac was known by other names too, like Merrimack, Pea Vine, and Peavine. It was an important place for a while because of its sawmill.
The Sawmill and Logging Railroad
From the 1870s into the early 1900s, Merrimac had a busy sawmill. This mill cut down trees into lumber. A special narrow-gauge logging railroad ended here. This railroad helped move logs from the forests to the sawmill.
Life in the Community
At its busiest, Merrimac was home to many people, perhaps 1,800 to 2,000 residents. It had a hotel, places to eat, a bank, and even a school for children. There were also two blacksmiths, who were important for making and fixing metal tools. By 1955, most of these buildings were gone, and only the hotel remained.
Post Offices in Merrimac
Merrimac had a few post offices over the years. The "Pea Vine" post office was open from 1856 to 1864. Later, the "Merrimac" post office served the community from 1883 to 1902, and again from 1915 to 1934.
Location and Roads
Merrimac is found along the Oroville-Quincy Road. This road connects to California State Route 70 in a town called Quincy. Today, Merrimac is not shown on official highway maps.
