New Chicago, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
New Chicago
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 New Chicago
Location in California
New Chicago
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Amador County |
| Elevation | 948 ft (289 m) |
| Population
(2016)
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| • Total | 25 |
New Chicago (formerly called Chicago) is a small, quiet place in Amador County, California. It's not a city or a town with its own government. Instead, it's known as an "unincorporated community." You can find it about 3 miles (5 km) south of a town called Plymouth. It sits at an elevation of 948 feet (289 meters) above sea level.
Contents
What is an Unincorporated Community?
New Chicago is an unincorporated community. This means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government. It's different from a city or town that has its own mayor and city council. Instead, the county government, which is Amador County in this case, takes care of services for New Chicago. These services include things like roads and public safety.
A Look at Its History
New Chicago has a past linked to California's exciting gold rush days. In 1888, this small settlement was mostly a "mining camp." This means it was a temporary community built around a gold mine. People came here hoping to find gold and make their fortune.
Life in a Mining Camp
Life in a mining camp like New Chicago was often busy and full of adventure. In 1888, about 150 people lived there. They were likely miners, their families, and others who supported the mining work. These camps were important places during the gold rush. They provided homes and supplies for those working hard to extract gold from the earth.
New Chicago Today
Today, New Chicago is much quieter than it was during the gold rush. It is no longer a busy mining camp. Only a few homes remain in the area. In 2016, the population was recorded as just 25 people. This shows how much the area has changed since its early days. It's a peaceful reminder of California's rich history.
