Minturn, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Minturn
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 Minturn
Location in California
Minturn
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Madera County |
| Elevation | 236 ft (72 m) |
Minturn is a small, unincorporated community located in Madera County, California. It sits along the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad and California State Route 99. Minturn is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) north-northwest of Chowchilla. It is also close to the geographic center of California. The community is 236 feet (72 meters) above sea level.
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Discovering Minturn's Past
Minturn has a rich history, especially tied to its early days. A post office served the community for many years. It was open from 1884 until 1922.
How Minturn Got Its Name
The name "Minturn" honors two important people: Jonas and Thomas Minturn. They were wheat farmers who helped the community grow. In 1872, they arranged for a special railroad siding to be built here. This siding made it easier to transport their crops.
Jonas Minturn (born April 4, 1819, died August 1, 1884) and his wife, Abby West Minturn (born March 8, 1820, died May 19, 1899), were early settlers. They moved to the area in the 1800s. Both Jonas and Abby are buried nearby, leaving a lasting mark on the community.
The Minturn Family Legacy
Jonas and Abby West Minturn had five children: Mary, Thomas, Gertrude, Madeline, and James. This family was well-known. Jonas Minturn was connected to the same family that operated Grinnell, Minturn & Co. This was a famous shipping company.
James W. Minturn's Contributions
One of their children, James W. Minturn, became very successful. He managed The Sharon Estate, a large property. James also built a beautiful country home in Sunnyside, Fresno County. Construction began in 1912 and finished in 1913. This historic home still stands today, right across from the Sunnyside Country Club. James W. Minturn passed away in 1917 after an automobile accident. He was survived by his wife, Rozene Minturn.
Minturn Today
Today, Minturn is still a quiet community. One notable business nearby is the Minturn Nut Company. It is located at 8800 S. Minturn Road, near Le Grand. This company continues the area's agricultural traditions.
