Pinacate, California facts for kids
Pinacate was once a small town in Riverside County, California. Its name comes from a Mexican Spanish word for the Pinacate beetle. This settlement was located east of the Pinacate Mining District.
Pinacate began to grow in 1882. This happened when the California Southern Railroad built its tracks through the area. The railroad line connected Colton to San Diego. However, the town of Pinacate did not last long.
A Town on the Move
Pinacate faced a big problem with land ownership. There was a disagreement over who legally owned the land where the town was built. This kind of problem is called a land title dispute. Because of this issue, the entire town had to move.
In 1885, the people of Pinacate packed up and moved north. This new location became the city we know today as Perris, California. So, Pinacate essentially moved and changed its name to Perris.
Pinacate's Legacy Today
Even though the town of Pinacate moved, its name lives on. The original Pinacate railroad station remained in its spot. This old station later became a very important place for history buffs.
Today, this location is home to the Southern California Railway Museum. This museum was once called the Orange Empire Railway Museum. It is a great place to learn about trains and railroad history. You can see many old trains and railway equipment there.
The name Pinacate is also used for a local school. Pinacate Middle School is located in the area where the old town once stood. This helps keep the memory of the original settlement alive.
