Neil, California facts for kids
Neil was once a small place where people lived or worked in Kern County, California. It was located on a very flat, dry lakebed called Rogers Dry Lake. This spot was about 1 mile (or 1.6 kilometers) north-northwest of another place called Muroc.
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What is a Former Settlement?
A former settlement is a place that used to have people living there, but it doesn't anymore. Think of it like a town that closed down. Sometimes, these places are called "ghost towns." People might leave a settlement for many reasons. For example, a mine might run out of valuable minerals, or a railroad line might move somewhere else. When the main reason for the town to exist disappears, people often move away to find new opportunities.
Where Was Neil Located?
Neil was in Kern County, California. Kern County is a large county in the southern part of California. It is known for its deserts, mountains, and also for farming and oil production.
Rogers Dry Lake
Neil was specifically located on Rogers Dry Lake. A "dry lake" is a basin or depression that once held water but is now dry. These areas are very flat and often covered in clay or silt. Rogers Dry Lake is famous because it is part of Edwards Air Force Base. This base is a very important place for testing new airplanes and spacecraft. The flat surface of the dry lake makes it a perfect runway for these tests.
Muroc
Neil was also close to Muroc. Muroc is another small community in Kern County. It is also very close to Edwards Air Force Base. In fact, the base was originally known as Muroc Army Air Field. So, Neil was in an area that became very important for aviation and space exploration.
Why Did Neil Disappear?
The exact reasons why Neil became a former settlement are not widely known. Many small settlements in California's desert areas were temporary. They might have been set up for a specific purpose, like mining or supporting a small industry. Once that purpose ended, the people moved on. It's possible Neil was one of these temporary settlements. Its close location to what became a major air force base might also have played a role in its changes over time.
