Mortmar, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mortmar
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 Mortmar
Location in California
Mortmar
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  California |
| County | Riverside County |
| Elevation | -60 m (-197 ft) |
Mortmar is a small, quiet place in Riverside County, California. It's what we call an unincorporated community. This means it's not officially a city or town with its own local government. Instead, it's part of the larger county area. Mortmar is special because it sits very low, at -197 feet (-60 meters) below sea level! It's located near the Southern Pacific Railroad, about 22 miles (35 kilometers) southeast of Indio.
What is an Unincorporated Community?
Imagine a neighborhood that isn't part of a city. That's kind of what an unincorporated community is! It's a group of homes or businesses that are governed directly by the county, not by a city council. This means services like police and fire departments are usually provided by the county government.
Mortmar's Big Move
Mortmar wasn't always in the exact spot it is today. The original location of Mortmar was about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) to the northwest. However, this first site had to be moved.
The Salton Sea's Impact
The reason for Mortmar's relocation was the Salton Sea. This large, shallow lake in California grew bigger and bigger over time. As the water level rose, it began to cover the land where the original Mortmar community stood. To keep everyone safe and dry, the community was moved to its current, higher ground. This shows how natural changes can sometimes affect where people live!
