Port Harford, California facts for kids
Port Harford was a small town in San Luis Obispo County, California. It was started in 1871. A man named John Harford built a pier there. He also built a special railroad. This railroad was pulled by horses. It connected his pier to a nearby place called Avila. Today, Avila is known as Avila Beach.
In the 1880s, a train line called the Pacific Coast Railway used to stop at Port Harford. This train traveled between San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria. Not much is left of the original town today. You can still see the pier, which was rebuilt in 1919. There is also an old wooden warehouse canopy. This canopy now covers a restaurant called Olde Port Inn.
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What Was Port Harford?
Port Harford was a busy place long ago. It was important for shipping goods. Ships would come to the pier to load and unload items. The horse-drawn railroad helped move these goods. It connected the pier to the town of Avila. This made it easier to transport things to and from the ships.
How Did Port Harford Begin?
The town started because of John Harford. He saw a need for a good shipping point. He built his pier in 1871. This pier allowed larger ships to dock. Before that, it was harder to move goods in this area. His efforts helped the local economy grow.
The Pacific Coast Railway Connection
The Pacific Coast Railway was a narrow-gauge train line. It was very important for California's central coast. When the railway came to Port Harford, it made the town even more vital. Goods could be shipped by train from inland areas. Then they could be loaded onto ships at the pier. This created a strong link between land and sea transport.
What Remains Today?
Most of the original town is gone. However, two important parts still stand. The pier built in 1919 is still used today. It is a popular spot for fishing and walking. The old wooden warehouse canopy is also a reminder of the past. It now houses a restaurant, keeping a piece of history alive.
