Motordrome, California facts for kids
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The Motordrome was an old name for a specific place in Los Angeles County, California. It was used in the 1910s to describe a special train track that branched off the main line. This branch line was named after a famous race track and airfield called the Los Angeles Motordrome. The Motordrome train stop was very low to the ground, only about 7 feet (2 meters) above sea level. Today, this area is part of the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve, near where Jefferson Boulevard and Culver Boulevard meet.
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What Was the Motordrome?
The name "Motordrome" came from a large, oval-shaped race track built for cars and motorcycles. It was one of the first big race tracks in the area. People would come to watch exciting races and speed trials. The train stop was built right next to this track, making it easy for fans to visit.
The Los Angeles Motordrome Race Track
The Los Angeles Motordrome was a very popular place. It opened in 1910 and quickly became a center for racing events. Drivers and riders would push their machines to the limit on its wooden track. It was a thrilling place for many people in Los Angeles.
What Happened to the Motordrome?
Sadly, the Motordrome race track was destroyed by a big fire in 1913. Even after the track was gone, and the train tracks were removed by 1918, the name "Motordrome" stuck around. It continued to appear on maps made by the USGS (United States Geological Survey) until at least the 1930s. This shows how important and well-known the Motordrome was in its time.
A Train Accident at Motordrome
In 1914, a train belonging to the Barnes Circus had a small accident, called a partial derailment, at the Motordrome stop. Four people were hurt in this incident.
