Merritt, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Merritt
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Sunflowers near Merritt
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 Merritt
Location in California
Merritt
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Yolo County |
| Elevation | 56 ft (17 m) |
Merritt is a small, unincorporated community located in Yolo County, California. An unincorporated community means it's a place with a shared identity but no local government of its own, like a city or town. Merritt sits at an elevation of 56 feet (about 17 meters) above sea level.
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Merritt's History
Merritt has an interesting past, especially concerning its name and purpose.
How Merritt Got Its Name
The community was named after a person named Hiram P. Merritt. He was an early settler who came to Yolo County before the year 1866. The name "Merritt" has been used for the area for a long time.
Post Office and Early Days
A post office was first set up in Merritt in 1859. Back then, it was spelled "Meritt" with one "r". It closed down in 1860 but reopened in 1870 with the current spelling, "Merritt". This second post office operated until 1873.
Merritt's Role in Transportation
In the late 1800s, Merritt was an important spot for sending goods by train. It was a key shipping point on the railroad. Farmers would send their cattle from Merritt to markets in other places.
By 1913, Merritt was known as a farming town. It was located along a main road that connected Davis to Woodland. This made it a convenient stop for travelers and a center for local agriculture.
