Nome, California facts for kids

Nome was once a small place in Kern County, California. It was located about 2 miles (3.2 km) northwest of downtown Bakersfield, right along the tracks of the Southern Pacific Railroad. Nome is no longer a populated area today.

What Was Nome?

Nome was a "settlement," which means it was a place where people lived or worked, but it wasn't a big city or town. It was likely a very small community, perhaps centered around the railroad or some local industry. Many small settlements like Nome grew up along railroad lines because trains were the main way to transport goods and people across the country.

Why Did Nome Disappear?

Many small settlements in California, especially those tied to specific industries like mining or railroads, sometimes disappear over time. This can happen if the industry moves, if a new, bigger town grows nearby, or if people simply move away for better opportunities. Nome likely faded away as Bakersfield grew larger and became the main hub in the area.

Where Was Nome Located?

Nome was situated in Kern County, which is a large county in the southern part of California's Central Valley. The Central Valley is a very important agricultural area. Bakersfield, the closest major city to where Nome once stood, is known for its oil production and agriculture. The exact spot where Nome was located is now probably part of the expanding urban or industrial areas around Bakersfield.