Natividad, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Natividad
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Gilroy to Salinas via San Juan road map, 1916
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 Natividad
Location in California
Natividad
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Monterey County |
| Elevation | 164 ft (50 m) |
Natividad is a small, quiet place in Monterey County, California. Its name comes from the Spanish word for "Nativity." It's known as an unincorporated community, which means it's not an official city or town. Today, it's mostly a ghost town, located about 5 miles (8 km) northeast of Salinas.
Contents
A Look Back at Natividad
Natividad has a rich history, even though it's a quiet place now. It was once a busy stop for travelers and played a part in an important war.
How Natividad Got Its Name
The area where Natividad is located was once part of a large Mexican land grant called Rancho La Natividad. This is how the community got its name.
The Battle of Natividad
One of the most important events in Natividad's history was the Battle of Natividad. This battle happened in 1846 during the Mexican-American War. The war was fought between the United States and Mexico. The battle took place just north of where the town used to be. Today, a special marker helps people remember this historic event.
Natividad's Busy Past
In the 1850s, Natividad was a lively place. It was a popular stop for stagecoaches, which were like buses pulled by horses. People traveling between towns would stop there. A post office even opened in Natividad in 1855, showing how active the community was.
The Town's Decline
However, Natividad's busy days didn't last forever. Traffic started to go through the nearby city of Salinas instead. Then, in 1872, the Southern Pacific Railroad was built through Salinas. This meant fewer people traveled through Natividad. Over time, the town became less important. Its last remaining building, a saloon, was taken down in 1964. This is why Natividad is now considered a ghost town.
