Old Hilltown, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Old Hilltown
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Old Hilltown viewed from Fort Ord National Monument
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 Old Hilltown
Location in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Monterey County |
| Elevation | 46 ft (14 m) |
Old Hilltown, once known simply as Hill Town, is a small community in Monterey County, California. It is not an official city or town, but rather an unincorporated community. This means it is a place with a shared identity that is not governed by its own local city council.
Old Hilltown is located on the north side of the Salinas River. It is about 3 miles (5 km) south-southwest of Salinas. The community sits at an elevation of 46 feet (14 m) above sea level. It is also found along California State Route 68, about two miles from Spreckels, California.
The Name of Old Hilltown
The name "Hill Town" comes from James Bryant Hill. He was one of the very first settlers in this area. His family helped to establish the community.
Early Explorers and Discoveries
The area around Old Hilltown has a long history. The first European explorers to travel through Alta California were part of the Spanish Portolá expedition. They camped near the Salinas River on September 30, 1769. They had been following the river for several days.
From this camp, scouts went ahead to explore the path. They were the first Europeans to see Monterey Bay. The explorers were not sure if a point they saw was the "Point of Pines." This point had been described by Sebastian Vizcaino in 1602. So, Portolá decided his group should go and investigate it.
The Historic Ferry Crossing
Hill Town was founded at a special spot on the Salinas River. This spot was a shallow area where people could cross the river, called Paso del Quinto. It became very important for travel.
Hill Town was also home to one of the first ferries on the Salinas River. A ferry is a boat that carries people and vehicles across a body of water. This ferry helped travelers cross the river safely. The ferry operated for many years, until 1889. That year, a bridge was built across the river, making the ferry no longer needed.
Today, the site of the old ferry is a recognized historical place. It is registered as California Historical Landmark #560. This landmark helps people remember the important role Hill Town played in early California travel.
